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

When I met Dr. Baker for the first time, I immediately got the sense that he was genuinely interested in my well-being. He was very patient and took his time with me. He answered all of my questions and assured me that he could give me the help I was asking him for with my life-long struggle with obesity and consequent other health complications stemming from obesity. Dr. Baker was very kind and compassionate. My first impressions of him were confirmed as he led me through the surgery and after care to date.

The office staff have also been excellent - among the very best. You can tell that they have had a lot of experience working with patients and they all truly care about each and every one of us. There were a few problems getting my file in order, but everything eventually got tracked down and filed appropriately. The nurse clinicians tell you like it is - they don't beat around the bush. This is serious, life-long work and their job is to prepare us well for this journey and they do it well. They don't "suger-coat" anything - (there is a supply of tissues handy in the consultation rooms if we as patients need it.)

The surgery is the beginning of the journey - the aftercare is the most important piece of the effort - and the aftercare is in the hands of the individual patient. Office visits are important, but what happens between office appointments is in the hands of the patient. "One could have the best teacher in the world, but if the student doesn't do their 90% of the team work, the 10% that the teacher does means nothing."

Attending the support groups is very important - I actually attended one before the surgery and plan to continue attendance every 2 weeks. It is good to have the support and the insight of those who have gone before you in this journey. The exercize is also a part of the aftercare program. I am told that those who do exactly as prescribed are those who succeed the most.

The risks of the surgery were explained to me - it took me over 4 years of discernment to make my decision to go through with this. I did alot of research and spoke to so many people along the way. Initially, I was embarrassed because I had allowed this illness - this disease of obesity - to progress to the level in me that it had. I initially was not going to tell anyone about my decision to have the surgery except for my dear friend and companion. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that the more support and prayers that I could have, the better for me. My family, friends, students, co-workers and parish family have been outstanding in the demonstration of love and support for me as I have come this far. If I ever doubted my self-worth and value as a worthwhile human being, the demonstration of love and support for me through all of this has successfully quenched any thoughts of this nature.

OK - back to the questionnaire - I would rate Dr. Baker up there with the supernatural beings. It is important to have both surgical competence and bedside manner and Dr. Daniel Baker possess both of these qualities.

I would highly recommend him with no reservations whatsoever to anyone who is seeking his help with the disease of obesity.

In closing, I would like to say that I had my 1 week post-op visit with him today... I have been able to go off of all prescription medications (and I was on 11 different types of medications including two types of insulin). My blood pressure was normal for the first time in many years - (which has not been normal even with medication). My blood sugars have been in the normal range (80-140) throughout the day/night for the past week. I feel finally free!

I just want to thank Dr. Baker, his staff, and the hospital personnel for making this part of my journey a reality. A special thanks to all family and friends who have been so supportive through all of this and for their prayers. I know I will succeed this time!

J.O.

Love him, and staff...absolutley fantastic!
Worth every day of the wait for the best WLS Dr. in town. Add to the fact I had NO bowel preps only a 1 day liq diet), no Ng or draiange tubes, no catheters. That is huge for a chicken like me ;-)
Unity Hospital offered "experienced" RN's
Dr. Baker has a excellent aftercare program!
10+

I can't say enough good things about Dr. Baker and his entire staff! He was extremly friends, answered all my questions. His staff of nurses are the best I have ever dealt with. Always willing to help answer a question. Dr. Baker has an extensive after care program. I would rate Dr. Baker and his staff a 10++++++

proffesional and very encouraging he was late for the appointment but his nurse informed me of the situation I was able to read the information I got about what I needed to do before surgery. Dr Bakers program has a very high success rate because he strongly encourages attending support groups and I got a book explaining exactly what needs to be done after surgery as far as what I can and can not eat. Most of my questions were answered by the staff before I meet Dr. Baker. There is a very structured aftercare program. I have heard only good things about Dr Baker from the support groups I have attended.

He was and is a marvelous doctor.

Impression stayed the same.

Office staff are professional.

Nothing.

wonderful man and surgeon.

Very big aftercare/follow up program.

Very structured - geared for years of followup.
Informed patients before surgery, does everything possible to minimize them.
Highly.

Surgical competence if I'm in surgery.

Dr. Baker was great, his staff is very helpful and his followup program is very good.

Dr.Baker first struck me as a warm caring person. He has proven that to be true in every aspect.

The wonderful thing about his staff is that they have been bariatric patients too. They understand where I've been and relate with uch compassion and warmth.

There isn't anything I don't like about Dr.Baker or any of the staff.

Future patients should know that he tells it like it is, with compassion and he REALLY CARES about each of us.

The aftercare is a lifelong commitment on both our parts. There is structured aftercare meetings and availibilty of the staff.

The risks of surgery were explained in great detailed by Dr.Baker, reiterated by the staff and reinforced by the Mental health provider that he insists each of us see before surgery.

Dr.Baker is a triple A, score 11 out of 10 and certainly one of GODS angels sent to help those of us who need him.

Dr.Baker is a top notch surgeon, I would love to share the beautiful hairline scar with anyone. He opened me up, and closed with such perfection I can wear a 2 pc bathing suit and not even think of the scar. His bedside manner is such a blessing it almost makes me cry knowing that he REALLY cares about ME.

My first impression of Dr. Baker was that he was a no-nonsense guy who is very knowledgeable on the topic of WLS. I liked the fact that he has an excellent track record, having performed over 2,000 surgeries with no deaths due to surgery. I kind of got the feeling that I was being rushed, but I am pretty sensitive about that so I'm not too concerned. Dr. Baker answered all the questions I asked, and was very polite. I am pleased with Dr. Baker so far.

Great surgeon. Was very impressed. Excellent program both pre and post surgery. Was informed as to what to expect in every step prior to surgery.

I thought he was very friendly, and very positive about how the surgery was going to go for me. He told me it would be about 1 1/2 hour surgery, and I would be out of the hospital in 3 days, and I should do wonderfully.

He is very picky about the patients he does surgery on:
My husband saw him almost 2 years ago, and it was totally different for him. My husband needed to lose about 100 pounds before he would even consider doing surgery, so he didn't do my husband's surgery. He actually suggested he see Dr Buchwald instead.

For me, Dr Baker and his staff have been great!