|
Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) |
 Jeffrey Baker, MD, FACS Being on the forefront of innovative ideas and new technology, Dr. Jeffrey D. Baker redirected his focus in Bariatrics from strictly the open Roux en Y Gastric Bypass Operation to include the minimally invasive surgery as well. Training in Michigan under the guidance of a leading surgical practice pioneering this technique, Dr. Baker shortly thereafter credentialed in this procedure. He has since performed over 900 operations laparoscopically and is now sought out by other surgeons to train them in this specialty. The call for this method, being less invasive to the patient and allowing a faster recovery time, continues to grow. Additionally, Dr. Baker recognized that the adjustable gastric banding procedure (LapBand™ and REALIZE Band™) was also a viable alternative to the Roux en Y operation and, in 2005, he began offering this operation to his patients. Most recently, Dr. Baker has beem trained and certified in the gastric sleeve procedure. This procedure has been available as the first of a two step process for the severely obese patients. However, the sleeve is now being recognized on it's own as a viable alternative for our patients. With some insurance companies now allowing for coverage of the sleeve, it is now the newest surgical choice in our practice. The continual expansion in our practice and surgical expertise and techniques has provided the Baker Bariatrics’ patients a choice in their own personal weight loss efforts. Dr. Baker is committed, both professionally as well as philosophically, to staying on the leading edge of Bariatrics. This is the Baker Bariatrics difference. An alumnus of the University of Minnesota, Dr. Baker completed his residency training in general surgery and trauma surgery at Hennepin County Medical Center. Additionally, Dr. Baker is nationally published both in minimally invasive and in general surgery, having contributed to determining the scientific basis of why patients might have less pain following laparoscopic operations. His awards include:
His credentials include:
Born in 1958, Dr. Jeff Baker grew up in the Twin Cities' northern suburbs. Jeff, and his wife Kris, have seven children ages 21, 15, 13, 13, 11, 9 and 9. His interests include his family, competitive downhill skiing and competitive road cycling. |
Mary Silberschmidt, RN, BSNBariatric Center Manager Mary has been in the health care field for more than 28 years as a clinician and administrator. She has been involved in nursing in a variety of different settings including large teaching hospitals, community hospitals, and clinics. She has worked in a number of different specialties including intensive care, operating room, recovery room, orthopedics and behavioral health. Memberships:
|
Janet Rudlong, RN, BA
Bariatric Nurse Clinician
Janet Rudlong has been a Registered Nurse since 1972. She began her nursing career at Gillette Children's Hospital in St. Paul, MN where she worked with handicapped children. After she moved to Andover, MN she started working at Mercy Hospital in Pediatrics and Adolescents in 1974. In 1996, Janet, along with Dr. Daniel Baker, created and designed the Unity Hospital Bariatric Center.
Her accomplishments include:
- Head Nurse, Pediatrics & Adolescents, Mercy Hospital, 1981
- Opening the Ambulatory Care Unit, Mercy Hospital, 1992
- Nurse Manager, Ambulatory Care and Emergency Department, Mercy Hospital, 1993
- Assisted in the design of the Unity Hospital Bariatric Center, 1996
- Bariatric Program Manager, Unity Hospital, 1996
Memberships include:
- Associate Member, American Society for Bariatric Surgery
Janet has worked extensively with gastric bypass patients since 1996. She teaches the free introductory classes on gastric bypass surgery. She also does one-to-one pre-surgery teaching, education and long-term patient follow up.
Janet has a daughter, two stepchildren and two grandchildren. In her spare time, she quilts, gardens and travels.
Diane Gladhill, RN
Bariatric Nurse Clinician
Her accomplishments include:
- Outstanding Nurse of the Year, recognizing her compassion and dedication in patient care, 1987.
Memberships include:
- Associate Member, American Society for Bariatric Surgery
Diane has worked as a Registered Nurse at Unity Hospital since 1976, providing nursing care for patients on the post-surgical unit. Throughout the past 27 years, she has been an active member of her nursing unit, participating on several committees to ensure quality care delivery to all patients. She has shared her knowledge, experience and passion for nursing by serving as the educator for the medical-surgical nursing staff at Unity Hospital. Diane has been a clinical nursing instructor for area colleges.
Diane began working as a Nurse Clinician with the Unity Hospital Bariatric Center in 1999, following three years as a member of the team of nurses at Unity who specialize in the post-operative care of gastric bypass patients. She meets with prospective patients, gathers information, evaluates educational and psychological needs, and provides individualized education. She sees patients prior to and after surgery and in long-term follow up.
Diane has lived in the north metro area all of her life. She is married and has three adult children and three grandchildren. In her spare time she enjoys painting, sewing, camping and spending time with family and friends.
Lynn Shriver, RN
Bariatric Nurse Clinician
Memberships include:
- Associate Member, American Society for Bariatric Surgery
Lynn Shriver has worked as a Bariatric Nurse Clinician since May 2003. She is a graduate of the University of Minnesota School of Nursing. She has worked in critical care nursing and as a liver transplant coordinator. She meets with prospective patients, gathers information, evaluates educational and psychological needs, and provides individualized education. She sees patients prior to and after surgery and in long-term follow up.
Her interests include family activities, the outdoors (especially water sports) and spirituality.
Sandra Gryniewski, RN, BSN
Bariatric Nurse Clinician
Memberships include:
- Minnesota Holistic Nurses Association
Sandy has worked at Unity Hospital for 25 years. During this time, she has served in various roles, including staff nurse, nursing supervisor, clinical development coordinator and nurse manager on the Ortho-Surgical Unit, 3 West and now the Bariatric Center.
She has always been involved in improving patient care and conditions throughout the hospital. Sandy is committed to, and practices holistic care. She is an active member of the Mercy & Unity Healing Environments Committee and Complementary/Alternative Therapies group. She is a member of the Minnesota Holistic Nurses Association. She meets with prospective patients, gathers information, evaluates educational and psychological needs, and provides individualized education. She sees patients prior to and after surgery and in long-term follow up.
Sandy is married and has two grown sons and two granddaughters. In her leisure time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends. She enjoys outdoor and sporting activities such as golfing, hiking, skiing and traveling.
Darla Schmitz, RN, BSN
Bariatric Nurse Clinician
Darla began working at Unity Hospital in 2002 as a registered nurse on 3 West, the ortho-surgical unit. She continues to provide care for patients following surgery and is an active member of the team of caregivers who specialize in post-operative care of gastric bypass patients.
Darla joined Unity Hospital's Bariatric Center in 2004. She meets with prospective patients, gathers information, evaluates educational and psychological needs and provides individualized education. She sees patients prior to and after surgery and during long-term follow up.
In addition, she has been instrumental in creating and implementing continuing education for Bariatric and Unity 3 West staff, insuring continuity of care through all phases of patient progression.
In her free time, Darla enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, quilting and sewing.