Daniel Baker Bariatric Surgeon M.D., F.A.C.S.

I went to information meeting in June. Meet with Diane in July. Waited for approval. Meet with Dr Baker in October and schuduled surgery for January 2, 2001. I decided to start the New Year out right. Dr Baker was wonderful, very soothing to speak to, his staff was very helpful and concerned. The nurses at Unity were the nicest, it was nice to know some of them had surgery with Dr Baker, they gave you pointers. Dr Baker, staff and nurses a number 10.

He was very informative, along with his staff. Staff called daily after postop to home to see how I was doing. Was given his personal pager, if I needed something. I am now over 20 months postop, and have gotten to know many of the differant baratric surgeons in my area. There is such a big differance in each ones care- from preop to postop. Dr Baker is an up todate surgeon with a great staff, offering a ongoing support aftercare program, for his patients to attend for support, and continual success.
He has updated his surgical procedures to be less invasive for the patient. You wake up now with just an IV, and are up walking within a couple hours after. Usual hosp. stay is only 2 days. He does only the Open RNY procedure. There is no special preop drink to take the evening before, and everything is explained to you from staff at his office to his special postop nurses who specialize in baratric surgical patients. THere is a differance in surgeons, please evualuate each of them, and decide what will work out best for yourself.

I had met Dr. Baker 6 years ago when I first considered this surgery.
I was too young then. I met him again to schedule my surgery in Aug. this year.
He is a sweet man. I trust him very much and he has a great "track" record.
His staff is the absolute best there is. They are always so loving and supportive and happy.
They always call back and answer every question without making you feel like a bother no matter how many times you do call.
Diane and Janet always make me feel at ease and make sure I understand everything so that I feel comfortable.
I was impressed with the way Dr. Baker( Diane and Janet too ) all checked up on me several times throughout my hospital stay
to make sure I was ok and understood all that needed to be known.
For aftercare, I had my one week check and will follow up at my fifth week etc..
Dr.Baker and staff have a wonderful program that I personally cannot praise enough.
They are always so helpful.
My only complaints would be that 1. I wish I could get a hold of Diane or Janet on the weekends and 2. That I could have had 1 or 2 more visits
with Dr. Baker before the surgery.
If you are looking for a feeling of love, care and true concern for your well being,
call.
If you want a Dr. you can feel comfortable with and trust,
call.
If you are looking for excellent follow up and wonderful staff along side the Dr.,
call. 763-780-7804
Please understand that I have had a good experience
with the whole process with this Dr.s office.
There may be others whose opinions may differ greatly from mine.
I am only expressing my experiences, thoughts and views.

From the first time I heard Dr. Baker speak at an open informational meeting, I was impressed with his desire to keep everyone informed. The nurses on his staff, Diane and Janet, are clearly passionate about their work and are exemplary examples of "Team Work." I felt "at home" from the first time we met. I had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Baker on the phone several times before we met on 9/12 at my first appointment to schedule surgery. He is warm, caring, kind, and never seems to be in a rush. You always feel as though you can (and should) ask him anything on your mind or heart. My surgery is scheduled for 10/10/00 and I feel confident I have made the right choice in Dr. Baker. I searched my mind and heart for negatives but as of yet, I truly cannot find any.

First impression of Dr. Baker was a little
mixed. He didn't seem to be to friendly. This
changed over time. His staff was very friendly
and explained everything in detail of the
surgury and the risks.They did not promisde
anything and explained to me in detail what
my part was. When the surgery day came Dr.
Baker came to me and explained the procedure
again and asked if I was ready. I said yes.
This time he was very friendly and
professional. His surgical staff all came out
and introduced themselves and way we went.
The nasal gastric tube was put in and taken
out while I was under.When I woke Dr. Baker
was there and recovery began. He has a full
structured aftercare program, and support
group meeting monthly. You can talk to his staff
and or him most anytime. If I had to rate Dr.
Baker on a 1 to 10 bases I would rate him a
9. As far as surgical competence and bedside
manner, both would be great but competence
goes along way. I believe Dr. Baker as you get to
know him has both.

I went to Dr. Baker's informational meeting at Unity hospital in Fridley, MN on the 25th of July. There were about 50 people there to learn about the surgery... and I left even more excited than ever. I rushed home and called his office immediately to make a surgical consultation appointment with his program manager. My appointment was on the 30th of July, and I was told I was a candidate for the open rny gastric bypass (YIPPEEE... the one I wanted!!!) I felt very comfortable from the very beginning with Dr. Baker and his staff. They are very knowledgeable.. as well as compassionate and understanding. They really want you to understand what you're getting yourself into... and boy oh boy... I'm ready!!! Dr. Baker has a great record!!!

TO THE POINT, GREAT SUPPORT STAFF

I just want to let everyone know that Dr. Baker was fantastic. He didn't let you slide by with this surgery. He made you realize that this is a life commitment, and you need to treat it that way. My first impression of him was that he was very fatherly like. I trusted him right away. His office staff were also fantastic. They were supportive and helpful before, during and after my surgery. I called them almost everyday with questions! The after care program is pretty tough for the first month. But after you get through that month, you realize how important it was to stick to the instructions and directions. Dr. Baker was very open about the risks of surgery, and I had to pass a psychological evaluation before I could even attempt to send my insurance company request letter. Many people feel that Dr. Baker's requirement of losing ten percent of the total weight you should lose before surgery is unnecessary. I have to say though, that I did it. My scar on my stomach is only about two inches long
because I did it, and I was out of the hospital the next day. Really, it was worth it. He was a fantastic surgeon and I would reccommend him to anyone! The only bad thing that I have to say is that the office is os busy that although I did get fantastic personal care, sometimes I got the feeling that I was alone deciding to do this.

I will attend the first info meeting on tues 6-27-00 I have gotten some info on this doctor from a coworker who had surg with him and how she thought the after care program was so valueable. Dr Baker does the RYN open version at Mercy and Unity Hopsiatl. Check out Allina.com under hospitals and clinics/then mercy /unity hospital then the Obesity program. Lists him and Janet the program nusre. Ive read so much about this, I look forward to hearing him. I'll keep ya posted.

Others I have talked with are using Abbottnorthwestern Hospital(where I had my son)with the surg, Dr Drew who does the lap version so I can hear why Dr baker recomends the open version he does vs the lap?

Dr. Baker seems to be very friendly, caring, and efficient. His staff is wonderful and at many times I was asked if I had questions or didn't understand anything. I was given the risks of surgery open rny with and without gall bladder removal. There is a very structured aftercare program- they want you to be informed and kept informed!