"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."
