Surgeon, Co-Medical Director, Unity Bariatric Center

With an eye toward innovative ideas and new technology, Dr. Jeffrey D. Baker has developed an expertise in minimally invasive and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAP-Band®) weight loss surgeries. These procedures are the growing trend in Bariatric medicine, preferred today over the traditional open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass operation.

Trained in Michigan with a leading surgical practice pioneering this technique, Dr. Baker was credentialed in this minimally invasive procedure and has now performed over 600 laparoscopic operations. Dr. Baker’s expertise is now recognized by other Bariatric surgeons, and he is sought out to train others in this field. Staying on the leading edge of Bariatrics, Dr. Baker offers patients a choice in their weight loss efforts by performing laparoscopic or open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, or the LAP-Band® adjustable gastric banding.

An alumnus of the University of Minnesota Medical School, Dr. Baker completed his residence training in general surgery and trauma surgery at Hennepin County Medical Center. He is nationally published in both minimally invasive and general surgery techniques, and contributed to work determining why patients might have less pain following a laparoscopic operation.

Born in 1958, Dr. Jeffrey Baker grew up in the Twin Cities’ northern suburbs. His interests include his family, competitive downhill skiing and competitive road cycling.

To reach Dr. Jeffrey Baker, contact Baker Bariatrics, LLC, located in the Unity Professional Building, at 763-236-2180 or visit his website at www.bakerbariatrics.com.

Surgeon, Co-Medical Director, Unity Bariatric Center

In 1978, Dr. Rick Johnson became a general surgeon at Unity Hospital with special interest in areas of intestinal, breast, hernia, thyroid, and laparoscopic surgery. Over this period of time, as a colleague and friend of Dr. Daniel Baker, Dr. Johnson has become increasingly interested in the problem of obesity and the impact on the patient’s health and mobility. Dr. Johnson’s committed to apply his clinical expertise and surgical skills towards improving the health, lifestyle, and longevity of morbidly obese patients. He is part of Allina Medical Clinic – Surgical Specialties, Unity Hospital. His office number is 763-236-2045.

Dr. Johnson has done more than 1,400 weight loss surgeries. He performs laparoscopic and open Roux-en Y gastric bypass, and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAP-Band®) and surgical revisions.

Dr. Johnson’s upbringing, education, and professional career have always been centered in Minnesota. He grew up in Cloquet, MN, and received his undergraduate, MD degree and surgical training at the University of Minnesota. Between 1976 and 1978, Dr. Johnson preformed surgery as a Major in the United States Air Force Medical Corps, at Scott AFB, Illinois. Dr. Johnson was with Columbia Park Medical Group from 1978 to 2001.