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

He was very informative and straightforward about the surgery and I had to think about a lot of issues and why I wanted this surgery.He seems like a very nice person and that he truly is concerned for his patients success. His office staff was very friendly and extremely helpful. Dr. Baker was somewhat intimidating, but I really think I needed him to be to cause me to really consider what I was about to do. He said that he can do the surgery but the results and lifechange was up to me. He informed me about all the risks which scared me quite a bit. If I had to choose between surgical competence or bedside manner, I would choose surgical competence, but it would be nice to have both!

I havent met Dr. Baker but I've heard nothing but great things about him,I will meet him on Feb.26 and my surgery will be on the 27th.I will post back with my comments on him.

Because I have not been approved through my insurance, I have not met with Dr. Baker. I have been doing research on this procedure and the many people that I have spoken to have spoken very highly of Dr. Baker. I am really anxious to meet him. I hear that he is very intimidating so I am ready to meet him. As soon as I get the green light, I will update my file.

My first impression of Dr.Baker was that he took this matter very seriously and genuinely cared about me as a person. He wasn't like any other doctor I had encountered that told me "you need to exercise more and eat less". He took lots of time questioning me to be sure that I was committed to this and sought reasons for my being obese in the first place. I have so much respect and admiration for this man. He has dedicated his life to helping people like me!

Becky, the office manager and I talked a lot by phone as I was in the preapproval stage. She was very helpful and encouraging and having had this surgery, she speaks from experience!

Dr.Baker expects compliance in every way...diet, exercise, vitamins, etc. It is important to him that we succeed and our success depends on us!

He has a great follow up/ after care program. The dietician calls to check on my nutrition prior to my check ups. They dont forget about you. All of them are available via email/phone to answer questions.

He explains all the risks of surgery in the consult and it is listed in the packet of information they send to you beforehand.

He is very softspoken, compassionate and caring. I chose him for his surgical competence though. That is MOST important when you place you life in someones hands! Many of my close friends work in the hospital with him and they say that "his patients always do well, he knows them like he knows himself, and he insists that they be given superior quality care."

As you can see in this opinion -- he gets a five star rating!

My first visit will be 12/8/00, but I checked him out on this web site and he has good recommendations. His office staff has been great; expecially Becky. I'll update after my visit. I had my preop visit with Dr. Baker, I really liked him. He asked me alot of questions about my past failures in dieting and why I think this will work this time. He said this is not a quick fix, but a lifetime change. Dr. Baker explained all that could go wrong and the importance of breathing and walking immediately after surgery. His dietician talked to me about 1 hr. explaining all what I will be eating and when to start eating certain foods; and how to prepare and some food ideas. I am a little more nervous about the surgery, but am still looking forward surgery. Dr. Baker is the best. Pleas God, be with Dr. Baker and me on 12/27.

It seems that Dr. Baker has a very large client base. My insurance company approved first week of November, I wasn't able to get surgery until 12/13/2000. Please don't think I am complaining. I am SUPER happy just to get this scheduled. I was hoping it would be in November but I will make it until then. I didn't gain all this weight in one month, and I will not loose it in one.

I do want to say that the staff at Doctor Baker's are the greatest. I truly believe that they understand the sensitivity of this.

I have not meet Doctor Baker however his staff has been wonderful! Especially Becky!! She has answered all of my questions and has been very encouraging!!

He has a genuine concern for the obese population. His is a brilliant surgeon, finished med school in the accelerated program in only 6 six years.
My impression has only improved over time. He is very thorough and educate's his patient to be successful, healthy, happy bypass patients.

His office staff is very helpful and efficient.

I wish every patient could use him as their surgeon. He has an excellant followup care program. He sees you 2 weeks post op, 6 weeks, 3 mths, 6 mths, annual there after for at least 5 years. He does annual lab work. He asked that you agree to this schedule before he does your surgery. He doesn't charge you for followup care the first 90 days after surgery.

His consults are more like "GOD to JESUS meetings". When you leave there you will do some serious soul searching and you will realize your part in the program. He will tell you "The surgery is only the beginning, the rest is up to you". He wants you to do your part and be successful and healthy. He is very supportive but does candy coat anything. He is very up front, I appreciated that about him. He has a licensed dietician on staff to help with any nutritional problems and always available to his patients.

I have not met Dr. Baker yet. I have talked to everyone in his office several times though. They are all so helpful. Becky is so wonderful. She helped me get all my paperwork filled out and got the pre-cert. letter to the insurance company. I was so amazed. I noticed on Dr. Bakers list of insurance approvals Humanna is not on there. I don't know how to let everyone know that Humanna has approved at least 1 for him! :-)

i hven't met dr. baker yet..but his office staff has been very helpful with answering my questions and getting things going with the insurance company..my papers were sent to the ins. co.on july 31st and i found out i was approved around the second week in august..my surgery date is oct 16th..and i'm looking forward to it