Jeffrey Baker Bariatric Surgeon MD

My journey to bariatric surgery was a long and complicated process. My insurance company approved the process and surgery in December of 2018, so I set out down the path. Anne my dietician was an amazing wealth of information, motivation and direction. Dr. Baker put me at ease as he described the different procedures and helped me make the choice that fit me best. 5 months into the process the insurance company contacted me stating that the surgery was not approved. Kristyn the care coordinator was so amazingly helpful in the fight to get my employer to add the surgery as an covered option through my insurance. She helped with the wording and things i needed and after 6 months my employer changed their position on the surgery. December 2019 was spent finishing up some things and getting back on track. My surgery was then scheduled for 3/10/2020. Without Kristyn's help I truly believe this would not have happened for me. The entire staff is dedicated to helping people achieve their weight loss goals.
Dr. Baker told me early on that this surgery would not only help me with my wight loss, but that I would have addition health benefits. I needed to get my BMI down to 45 or less to be able to get my knee replacement surgery that i have needed for a dozen years. He said it would very likely help me with my type 2 diabetes, Chronic migraines and sleep apnea. After my surgery I am very happy to report that I have not had a migraine since the surgery, my type 2 diabetes is resolved, my sleep apnea is resolved. My weight loss was as described by Dr. Baker and I quickly got below 45 BMI, I have since had my first knee replacement completed and my second is scheduled for later July.
The commitment to the patient runs through this organization. Anne the dietician cares deeply that you succeed and is not afraid to tell you when your doing things wrong and is always available if you have a question or need. The whole thing was a good experience and I am proud to recommend Dr. Baker and the team at the bariatric clinic of Ridgeview clinics.
You can trust they will do what they say and guide you the entire way.

Brian Nelsen

Hello all my past, future, and current bariatric surgery people in the great state of Minnesota!!! How is everyone doing?

This is so gonna sound like a sale pitch but it’s not it’s me a client just trying to get the word out about my favorite Dr.

Dr. Jeffery Baker was my dr and surgeon for my RNY (gastric bypass) back on 9/1/16 so about 2.5 years ago. I first started the process of having surgery all the way back in 2008. I quit or gave up or got busy so many times but each time I thought I was ready he was there. Now back in 2008 when I started the clinic had both him and his father running the clinic. Dr. Baker's father was one of the few pioneers of the whole wls way before the general public knew what it was or that it was an option. His father retired some time before 2015 I don’t know the specifics as I’m only a patient. When I finally got my surgery on 9/1/16 that was a Thursday the Thursday before Labor Day. I had a small but semi common complication right after surgery that required I stay until Saturday afternoon. Because my insurance sucks they would not let me fill my scripts at any pharmacy cause the hospital's on call Dr. signed it and not him. Dr. Baker was informed after I was discharged from the hospital and left his family’s holiday get together in shokopee and drove all the way to fridley to meet me personally to write me a new script after calling me on his personal cell phone and telling me to call him personally if I have any problems and stayed until my scripts got filled. I have had many of drs over the years for many of reasons and conditions and none of them would go half as far in making sure I was cared for as he did that holiday weekend. So that is one of the many reasons why he is my favorite. Also we just clicked and at the same time he is upfront and honest when I was going through the programs before he would call me out when I wasnt doing what was needed and called me out on my excuses (kind of like every ones favorite bariatric surgeon Dr. Now) and I personally like that.

About six to ten months after my surgery Dr. Baker left the clinic his father started so many years ago. Rumors run rampant and here is the truth. The clinic was and is being ran under Allina clinics and hospital and he no longer was allowed to make his own decision that he as the Dr. felt was needed to provide the best care for his patients and felt that it wasn’t the best place for him anymore and by his own choice left the practice and is now providing care again through Ridgeview which is in Chaska (so I’m told) with a second office two days a week (Wednesdays and Fridays) in fridley at the unity professional building. So after my appointment today he mentioned how great it was that I sought him out myself and that he hopes he will be able to see some of his old patients again also.

So since he legally can’t seek them himself and because he is my favorite Dr. I told him I would get the word out for him so that is what I am doing. He is taking old patients as well as new and I highly recommend him!!! My best friend had her sleeve surgery from him about 6 months after me and she is so excited to hear I found him and saw him and now she is going to see him too.

If your interested in seeing him again cause you had surgery with him or because your looking for a good quality surgeon who CARES!!! Contact them.

I was told to give this number as if you call he number at the Ridgeview website cause the clinic is new to them (about a year) the calls don’t always get forward to them so his wife (who is so nice and wonderful) told me to use and give this number.

952-210-6325 her name is Chris and she is so kind and polite.

I have been impressed with Dr. Baker and his staff from the moment I walked in the door. The experience started with a health discussion with his staff and then with Dr. Baker directly. He took the time to draw out the three procedures and how they worked. He then explains the pros and cons of each along with his experience with each procedure.

I felt that he provided a very wholistic approach and I was well coached along the journey to my actual surgery. His dietitian was very informative and responsive with my multitude of questions. The exercise physiologist was also so informative. I enjoyed my visits with his psychologist as well and gained considerable insight into the emotional road ahead.

My surgery was performed with very little discomfort. I was up and walking right away and walked over five miles just a few days later. I experienced very little discomfort and was back to work after just a few days.

This is a very caring clinic and they were with me during the entire journey. Dr. Baker’s bedside personality is also fun. I enjoyed the journey and I feel like I’m in great hands.

Dr.Baker has drastically improved my quality of life. In 2012 I had the gastric lap band implanted. I had tried every weight loss program before having surgery and nothing worked. Now over 3 years later I am down 70 lbs and have been able to keep it off. The lap band was the tool that helped me lose and keep the weight off. I now have the energy to play with my kids, climb mountains and enjoy life. I am so grateful to Dr. Baker. He is an amazing surgeon who really cares about his patients and their success. He has changed my life and given me my health back!

I had my RNY with Dr. Baker on December 31st 2014. I'm now almost 4 1/2 months post op and doing FANTASTIC. While performing my surgery Dr. Baker found some scar tissue from a previous medical issue that I wasn't even aware of and was able to fix that while also performing my bypass. The recovery team helped with the increased post op pain and were absolutely wonderful! As many others have mentioned in their reviews, Dr. Baker is very easy to talk to, attentive and has a superb bedside manner! He also has a wonderful sense of humor and was able to completely alleviate all my pre-surgery nervousness. I knew I was in the best possible care. I've had no problems at all since my surgery but know If I do, I can reach him at any time. I should also mention that while going through the process of getting to approval for my surgery, I encountered more than one frustrating bump with my insurance, but his staff went above and beyond to get me to that approval were incredibly kind and patient with me when I was overwhelmed and anxious. My pre-surgery education was top notch. My post-op care in the hospital was first rate and my follow up care since surgery has been superb. I would recommend Dr. Baker and his staff to anyone looking for the best team to perform their Weight Loss surgery. It's not just about the surgery itself, it's about the total experience Pre-op, the surgery itself, and Post-op. There is a reason his clinic has achieved status as a Center of Excellence!

Dr. Baker spoke at the orientation I attended. His direct answers to questions and knowledge appealed to me. After personally meeting with him, I needed to look no further for a surgeon. I had the VSG in March 2011. I ended up staying 2 nights in the hospital, as I couldn't keep fluids down. He stopped to check on me often, He called once I was at home and I had his pager number to reach him if I had questions or concerns. He and his staff are always available for visits or to answer questions, and they never treat you like a number. I have, and will continue to recommend Dr. Baker to anyone interested in having weight loss surgery.

I had my Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy on March 14th, 2013 with Dr. Baker. Dr. Baker was recommended to me by several people. I was not disappointed!!! He and his team did a wonderful job with my surgery. They were very thorough, taking time before surgery to make sure I was educated and prepared. All the little extra's they provide helped me have a positive surgery experience! Thank you Dr. Baker and team!!!

Dr. Baker is not only a fantastic surgeon, he is also a wonderful, practical, soft spoken person. He listens carefully to your concerns, and offers help with questions. He is the type of physician that everyone would love to have. His staff are also very well mannered and very personable. I had my surgery(RNY)on December 26, 2011, and I have not had any complications!! I can't even count how many times he encouraged me to page him or call him with any questions or concerns. He is amazing, and I would recommend him to anyone! No regrets from me! Thank you Dr. Baker!

I just had my sleeve with Dr.Baker on October 13th 2011. He is amazing! He answered all questions I had and made it a point to always ask me if I had any questions. He is very mild mannered and soft spoken. I was so nervous the morning of surgery and he put me at ease and I appreciated it that very much. I would recommend Dr.Baker to anyone.

I had my surgery on 6/1/10 and Dr. Jeff was awsome!!! he made me feel very comfortable and explained everything in detail and also listened to all my questions. I am now 5 days post op and feeling better everyday. I know I was in the best of care with the number #1 Surgeon.
THANK YOU DR. BAKER!