A Note from Dr. Baker

It is difficult to believe that it has been nearly four and a half years since we opened the doors to Baker Bariatrics, LLC.  Back then we stated that “times they are a changing” and, as we reflect back, this has been true time and time again.

What has not changed is our commitment to provide exceptional care to our patients.  We are so fortunate to work in conjunction with the Unity Bariatric Center.  Their team of dedicated nurse clinicians, dieticians, and exercise consultants has over 100 years of combined experience in working with the bariatric patient.  Our partnership with the Center allows us to provide the best of care to each patient from the onset of their journey, through surgery, and beyond.  We moved our offices back to suite 200 in 2009 to further facilitate an open door policy and enhance communication to best offer care to our patients.

Four plus years ago I really did not know what to expect with starting a private practice.  I believed then, and continue to believe, that a private practitioner has the ability to offer the best in patient care.  At Baker Bariatrics, I make the rules.   If a patient requires extra time and care, I am able to do that.  I have no volume incentive, just the desire to provide outstanding care to every patient who trusts me as their surgeon.  As well, I continue to serve on the boards of two of the three major insurance companies here in Minnesota as well as perform peer reviews for the third.  This allows me to not only advocate better for my patients, it allows me to have a voice in the trends and developments in bariatrics as it continues to evolve.  Most recently, this was evidenced by the three major insurors here in Minnesota recognizing the vertical sleeve gastrectomy surgery as a covered procedure.  Although Medicare and their affiliated programs are not yet on board, I think it is just a matter of time for them to recognize this as well, enabling a third viable option to all patients..  Surgery procedures continue to evolve as well.  Today, my practice is almost exclusively laparoscopic, although I do continue to offer the open Roux en Y gastric bypass surgery for a small population of patients.  The laparoscopic Roux en Y gastric bypass, as well as the adjustable banding surgery (both Lap-Band™as well REALIZE™ Band) and now the vertical sleeve gastrecomy make up a majority of my practice, although I am also performing other surgery as needed for my patients including hernia repair, as well as gall bladder surgeries.  I also continue to perform revisional Roux en Y surgeries for patients, many of whom had gastric bypass 20 plus years ago when the techniques were not what they are today.  I pride myself on staying on the forefront of all the latest surgical trends as well as to offer any surgical choice available to my patients.

And finally, as I reflect back over the past four and a half years in private practice, I feel such gratitude to each of my patients for allowing me to be a part of their own journey.  There is no greater compliment that receiving a referral from a patient to a family member or friend.  For this, I sincerely thank you.

Please continue to stay in touch as we continue forward.  Your feedback, thoughts and ideas continue to make us great.

Dr. Jeffrey Baker

Aka “Dr. Jeff”.