UMC Center for Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery Bariatric Center

I didn't get to meet Dr. Baker until my seminar/consult on 8-31-06. rnI had heard and read comments from other patients that made me bias. I was sure I would not like him. They said he was rude and very incompassionate. I beg to differ. He seems to care a great deal for the uprising epidemic(obesity). He does seem zero tolerant for those who aren't willing to work hard and help themselves. I appreciate that. rnHe seems very intelligent. He gave lots statisical info. I am confident that I am blessed to have Dr. John W. Baker as my surgeon! By the way, he has the greatest staff! Becky and Christy are angels. Courtney's ok too. I never met Michelle, but she was nice over the phone. I truly have nothing negative to say about my surgeon and his staff. Well, okay, except those awful shakes he makes you drink for 2 weeks pre-op!!! But I still like him!!(LOL)

At first I didn't like him. But I had heard from others that he is kind of gruff to begin with. After the surgery he is a big teddy bear. He is a big supporter of you. He asks why should he care about you if you don't care about you. His office staff is awesome. Courtney his dietician is very helpful and very caring. After care is important to him and when you go back to see him, you weigh, get measured and meet with Courtney to begin with then you meet with him. He is awesome. I'd recommend him to anyone that is considering the surgery. Don't let the fact that the first time you see him he is less than perfect he changes as soon as you have your surgery.

Dr. Baker seemed very concerned. He wanted to make sure that I knew what I was getting into. He was very stern, yet gentle at the same time. I've had experience with a lot of doctors, and he has definitely been one of the best. His bedside manner totally put me at ease.

My first impresstion was good. He seemed very concerned and wanted to make sure that I knew it was a life long commitment. He is straight to the point and a matter of fact. His staff is WONDERFUL!!! Aftercare and following directions are imperative. He explaned all of the risks of the surgery. His dietician also spoke. I think she may have had a bad day the day I was there. She was not very friendly at all...in fact she seemed pretty cold. The other staff and Dr. Baker were great.

When I first met Dr. Baker, I was intimidated by him. But over time, I realized that he was no nonsense when it came to my care and that he truly wanted everything to go right and make sure I was ready for surgery. I think he is one of the best Bariatric Doctors in Little Rock.

I found Dr. Baker and his staff to be very nice and caring. They believe in giving you lots of information and explaining things well to you. They are not a clinic that gives you 30 minutes of a consult and sends you on the way.
I spent an entire day at his office for an exam and seminar regarding the surgery and the changes I needed to begin to make this a life long success. I even went back the next week to go through a seminar with the nutritionist. I felt she did a very good job with her siminar as well.
I have heard several success stories with Dr. baker as the surgeon. He believes in long term followup after the surgery as well. I feel like I am going to be in very good hands.
I heard he could be tough. But it is only that he wants to make sure you are ready to do what is necessary for this to be a success. So far I am very impressed with him and his staff.

Have not actually met the surgeon yet. Have met patients who highly recommend him. All indications (from recommendations and office paperwork indicating his practices and requirements) are that he is thorough and concerned about the safety, well-being, and success of his patients. Appears to be strong proponent of after care and is quick to discourage surgery if pt. is not 100% sure or unwilling to conform. Must be compliant with current treatments such as CPAP for sleep apnea, etc. To date, I am impressed that he looks out for the well-being of the patient. Will be able to better comment after meeting him and/or having the surgery. I have heard he is very matter-of-fact, but very good.

03-11-05 I met Dr. Baker today. I thought he was pretty awesome actually. He gave very thorough information and practical advice--basically, if you aren't going to do this life-long change right, just please don't do it at all. It seems he truly cares about the patients and our goals. He is no- nonsense, but if your surgeon is telling you that only great things can happen, he/she isn't being honest! I'd rather know that the journey is just starting and there are going to be rough spots. In this way, I also know that my doctor and his staff will offer me information or support when I need it. Dr. Baker cares about routine follow-up and managing this weight loss tool in a healthy successful manner. I am scheduled for March 28th. His staff is knowledgeable and well-organized, too. I am confident things will continue to go well with my doctor, but will update later, too.

(1/28/05) I have not met Dr. Baker yet. My pre-op consult is scheduled for 2/11/05. I will update then. I have heard many great things about him though. Not only that he's highly skilled as a surgeon, but that he's genuinely concerned about his patients. Of course he's known for his "no nonsense" approach to WLS. But I can respect that, I know this way that it's not all about the money he's making from my surgery.

I was told to beware....that Dr. Baker was very stern and didn't have much of a bedside manner. I was pleasantly surprised during my consult at how nice he was. Oh, don't get me wrong...he didn't try to pat my hand and tell me he would make it all better. But I think he saw my resolve and noticed the steps I had already taken to prepare and so I didn't get the 'stern' treatment. Bottom line...he can be as stern as he wants as long as he does a great job! He's the best and that is what I want operating on me! Also, I must add that his staff is great, especially Becky. She made me feel SO at ease and gave me a lot of practical advise that I will use daily post-op.

Wonderful Dr.!!! Wonderful Bedside Manners!!!
Office Staff Are Wonderful & Willing To Go That Extra Mile! After Care Is Very Important To Dr. Baker! His Surgical Skills Are Unequivical! Wonderful Dr.! Can't Say Enough About Him!!!! :)