UMC Center for Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery Bariatric Center

4/08/2004 My first impression of Dr. Baker wasn't bad at all. I found him to be very pleasant and soft spoken. He didn't hurt my feelings, he just make you think. I guess we all wait until something tragic happens to make a change and he kept asking me "What are you waiting for?". And I kept saying "I don't know". I should be asking myself that question. Why wait until surgery to make a change? We should try to make a positive change every day of our life. Dr. Baker is either do it my way or don't have the surgery. That is exactly what I need. He is straightforward. I would just suggest that anyone going to him to please keep and open mind. I am anxious to have a lifetime of care from him. His staff was all wonderful and very helpful. I had my pre-testing at St. Vincent's and everyone I came in contact with there was very kind. I just hope it stays that way after surgery.

My first impression of Dr. Baker was that he was very serious about this tool, and he expected you to be serious or you may as well leave. I respected that, and it's exactly what I needed. I didn't need to hear just what I'd like to happen, but needed to know what would happen. He was very straight forward and told me exactly how it was. I was a self pay patient and it's been worth every cent I spent for this surgery. Dr. Baker was wonderful the first time I met him, he was great while I was in the hospital, and he's been the best each time I've gone for follow up. Anytime I've had a question and emailed Dr. Baker or his staff, I've gotten an immediate response. I thank God each day for leading me to Dr. Baker. I've lost over 150lbs so far, and I couldn't have done it without him.

The hospital was great. The staff was very attentive. I go back 3/26/04 for my 1 yr check up. My anniversary was 1/14/04, but since I live 4 hrs away, Dr. Baker wanted to make sure there would be no snow. He is such a caring person. He expects compliance before and after surgery, and I wouldn't have wanted a Dr. who expected any less from his patients.

Thank you Dr. Baker for giving me the tool to make my life so much better. I now feel that I'll live to see my son grow up, and have kids of his own. I can do things with my son now, that I couldn't have done a year ago. I fit in airplane seats, can wear a seat belt comfortably, can tie my own shoes, I can ride a bike again. My feet don't hurt anymore, I can breathe, I can climb stairs or walk long distances without feeling like I'm about to die.

I can't thank Dr. Baker enough.

My first impression of him sucked! But when I went back for my re-consult and the entire time I was in the hospital he was awesome! Office staff...Christy is the best. Future patients should know that Dr. Baker doesn't BS around...he lets you know what can and will happen. His aftercare is stressed that it is his job as well as your job. He addresses the risks of surgery as he should. You go into the surgery knowing what CAN happen even if it doens't always. I would rate Dr. Baker's ability 10+ on a scale of 5 and his beside manner...when someone else doesn't piss him off...great, wonderful...when someone else does piss him off...I would just as soon leave the room. Dr. Baker is awesome. Your life and your new tool are in very capable hands.

The first time I met Dr Baker was the only time I every had a doubt about having WLS. He came accross as very "My way or the highway". I will admit it threw me for a little loop, but I decided to do it because he told me everything I NEEDED to hear NOT what I wanted to hear. I respect him for this. Now six months later he asked me if what he said made sense. Is he crazy? Of course it makes sense now. He gave me the tool to help me make my life healthier thus making it better. I will always love and respect him for this. Now I can accomplish my miracle.

My first impression of Dr Baker was that he was not a very personable man but after my consult and surgery I could not have asked for a better Dr. All his staff is very helpful as well.

at first dr.baker was like really intense and would question you at every turn. after my surgery dr.baker was more caring and wanted to get to know you better. my view is that dr.baker is the best that there could be, and i'm so glad to have found him.

Before my surgery I did a lot of research about Dr. Baker and found out he was the best. On your first meeting with Dr. Baker he is very stern but gives a lot of information. He wants to make sure you know exactly what is expected of you and what you need to expect after the surgery. On my first return visit his demeanor was different and he was very proud of my progress. His office staff was great. His dietician, Sherry left a little to be desired but his new one is great. To future patients, know your stuff. If you don't like being told like it is then you should probably not go to him. He is very serious about his work and about what is needed for you to succeed. He is no holds barred and speaks his mind. Between the information packet which includes a test that must be taken before seeing Dr. Baker and the orientation, you won't be able to say that he didn't tell you about the risks. Everyone knows this is a life long commitment and that you must follow-up with him every year. The first year you will see him several times. You also see the dietician every visit. I think his surgical competence is his best assest. I would not let anyone else perform my surgery.

The first time I meet Dr. Baker was two weeks before my surgery date on May the 5th 2003. He was very straight forward, he told the facts and explained them very well. He covered the risks and the benefits of having the surgery. I don't know if there is a more dedicated doctor in the world. He gave me the impression of being totaly caring about the needs of overweight people. Now that I just had my 6 months checkup, I am even more impressed. He takes the time to find out how your life has changed, he really cares about what he is doing. As for me, I give him the highest marks.

THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SURGERY AND HE MAKES SURE YOU CAN HANDLE IT. HE' SCOVERS A;; BABSES. HE IS A VERY BUSY MAN AND TO THE POINT. I LIKE EVERYHTING ABOUT HIM AND HIS STAFF. I JUST WISH THEY WERE CLOSER TO MY HOME, THEY'RE THREE HOURS AWAY.
AFTERCARE IS VERY IMPORTANT, I HAVE SWITCHED MINE TO MY LOCAL BARIATRIC DOCTOR, DR. JOH PRICE, MONROE, LA.
IN MY OPINION SURGICAL COMPETENCE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN ANYTHING!
I WOULD RATE DR. JOHN W. BAKER A +++++++++

1. I was very intimidated. On our 1 on 1 visit I cried like a baby :)I was afraide of him. I am just a VERY sencitive person.


2. Dr. Baker is WONDERFUL and makes you feel so good.
Everything changed after surgery.


3. The staff is very kind and very concerned. COMMUNICATION IS VERY IMPORTANT!

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6. After care is SUPER important and they all let you know that.

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8. Dr. Baker does not miss a thing VERY informative.

9. Dr. Baker is AWESOME. He is stricked and
He really makes you think.

10. I think it is ALL important.