C. Thomas Hitchcock Bariatric Surgeon M.D.,F.A.C.S.

'My first impression is that Dr. Hitchcock is very personable. He answered all of my questions and put me at ease. He and his staff were understanding and accomodative of my need to meet with the doctor on my lunch break and get back to work on time.rnrnThe doctor and the staff definitely emphasize aftercare and have a support group that i'll be taking part in. rnrnThey made me very aware of the risks involved in the surgery.rnrnBillie

I first met Dr Hitchcock at a seminar I went to. I liked him from the start. He seemed very compassionate and very interested in your well being.I went for my first consult yesturday 3-09-06. The people in the office were very friendly amd helpful. My surgery date is set for 4-11-06. Very excited to get started.

Dr.Hitchcock has been a blessing to me as a patient!
He showed his love to help people who are in need.
He answerd all of my questions and was very helpful with having me understand different materials.

Over all, I would give him a 10++ on a scale of 1-10!

Dr Hitchcock is wonderful he is very caring and supportive he also tells you straight forward how it is going to be and I really like that. His staff is awesome also they are as caring as Dr. Hitchcock. I would recomend him to everyone that ask me about my surgery, he has changed my life with my new TOOL. The only bad thing I have to say is that I had my surgery at 7:30am and did not get a room until 4:00 that afternoon my family was waiting the whole time in the recovery room they did let them come back to tell me goodbye because we live 2 hrs away seems to me they at the hospital SMMC could have had my room ready.

My first impression was that he was kind and excited to be doing what he does. He had enthusaism about the weightloss surgery and the process. He said that he loves to watch the fat melt off and peoples lives changed. That impressed me the most. His office staff was incredible! They are kind and sweet plus they remember who you are. The office did all the steps for approval for me and I was approved with in three weeks of me turning in my paperwork.

The first step Dr. Hithcock requires is that you attend a biatrics seminar that provides you with a lot of tools and information. Then the nurse calls you to fax you a sheet of required appointments to complete before your first consultation. YOu see a cardiologist, pulomonary doctor, psychologist, and have blood work done. Each of these appointments I found interesting and learned how my medical conditions affected my body and what changes to look for once the surgery was completed. Then you see him for your first consultation.
I was not impressed with Shawnee Mission Medical Center at all the day of my surgery. The lab tech did know what he was doing and he was rude to me. He had to get help with putting my IV in. It was about a four hour wait for my room which thankfully I slept most of the time but my family was there waiting. I think they were more tired than I was. The nurses at night were not only lazy but very loud. I was very disappointed in the hospital and will probably never stay there again.
My surgery was flawless and I only stayed one night in the hospital. Dr. Hithcock is a wonderful surgeon and I would recomment him to anyone considering the surgery.

I really like Dr. Hitchcock...seems really concerned with your overall health before and after the surgery. The staff at the front of the office is great, one of the nurses seems kind of irritated if you call her with a problem, she will belittle the problem a little. He will want to see you every month for a year and would like for you to go to support before and after, but it is not required for the surgery. He really emphasizes that this is a "tool" for weight loss, not a guarantee. The weight loss is up to us. He does address all the risks of the surgery and I think he is just awesome! He has the bedside manner, he visited with me both days in the hospital and so far his surgical competence is great to, no complications...so far!!!

Dr Hitchcock is a great surgeon. My first impression was that he was a real stickler for the "rules" of post op WLS and while I still believe this I have also found that he is very compassionate and understanding and truly gives you the feeling that he has your best interests at heart. The office staff are very friendly and easy to deal with, I have had prompt response from Linda whenever I had a problem that needed addressing. I did have some immediate post op complications but Dr Hitchcock stayed at the hospital late into the night to oversee my care. He is very honest and up front about the possible risks of surgery and the need for aftercare and I appreciated this. The only negative comment that I can think of was that at my 1 wk post op appt it was an extremely busy day for him and I waited 2 1/2 hours to see him.

I have only met them once at the seminar. My first impression was that Dr. Hitchcock is very knowledgable, empathetic and has a nice sense of humor. I also met Nola and Billie. They both seemed happy to help and eager to answer all questions. I feel comfortable and excited about pursuing this.

My first impression of Dr. Hitchcock was that he was very straightforward, direct, and a professional.

Over time, my impressions haven't changed. I also would add though, that he is a VERY caring Doctor who is interested in his patients. He is very attuned to his patients needs and problems and works with them to try to resolve them. He also educates his patients; he doesn't assume that you know things, unless you voice your knowledge.
His office staff is great!
The thing that I like least is that he only sees patients on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and I travel from Springfield, MO to see him, which is a 31/2 hour drive.
He emphasizes aftercare VERY strongly. From what I have seen, he has a very structured aftercare program. He does not leave you alone after surgery.
Dr. Hitchcock told me the good and the bad for the surgery. And then asked if I had any questions.
Overall, I give Dr. Hitchcock a 10 out of 10! I am very pleased with him!
His surgical competence is outstanding, and personally, I like his bedside manner too. Some may not like his bedside manner, they may find it a little gruff and impersonal, but I don't.
All this is my subjective experiences, others may say differently, but, it's my opinion. :-)

he is an excellent doctor very compassionate, my opinion hasn't changed.the staff is very helpful and understanding.there isn't anything I don't like about dr. hitchcock. he is a straight shooter and you always know where you stand.aftercare is of the upmost importance.the aftercare program through his office is very structured. He makes sure that you understand the risk involved and the possible complications. I would rate him as the best doctor I've ever dealt with or had take care of me. Dr. hitchcock is the complete package of competence, bedside manner, education and he keeps you motivated, he lets you know what is expected of you and what you need to do to lose the weight now that you've had the surgery.