Unity Hospital Bariatric and Weight Loss Center

Nationally recognized as a "Bariatric Center of Excellence" by the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, Unity Hospital's Bariatric Center is dedicated to helping patients achieve significant weight loss, which can lead to a healthier, more active lifestyle.

Since 1996, Unity's Bariatric Center has treated more than 5,000 patients for the chronic disease called morbid obesity. From its beginning, the center has been a resource for community education, medical training, patient evaluations, education, pre-operative counseling and long-term follow up.

In addition to durable weight loss, Bariatric Center patients have obtained remission of diabetes and long-term control of high blood pressure, arthritis, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, asthma, heartburn, cancers and many other illnesses associated with morbid obesity.

Experienced surgeons

Our full-time bariatric surgeons – Jeffrey Baker, MD; and Frederick (Rick) Johnson, MD – perform open and laparoscopic bariatric procedures at Unity Hospital. They include LAP-BandŽ adjustable gastric banding and Roux-en Y gastric bypass, and revisions.

Free introduction to weight loss surgery classes

We offer free introductory classes for anyone interested in learning more about this life-saving surgery. For more information, call Allina Class Registration at 612-262-3333 or 1-800-877-7878. You may register online.

Contact information

Program manager - Mary Silberschmidt, RN, BSN
Telephone - 763-236-2045, 1-888-490-7386 (outside metro area)
Fax - 763-236-2044

Watch bariatric surgery online

Unity Bariatric Center surgeons Jeffrey Baker, MD, and Frederick Johnson, MD, recently presented a live weight loss surgery webcast. Dr. Baker performed a laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery, commonly known as Lap-BandŽ or Realize Band™ surgery, while Dr. Johnson answered viewer questions.

A replay of the webcast is now available...

Unity Bariatric Center featured in Bariatric Times

Bariatric Times magazine featured an extensive overview of our program.

Read the story from Bariatric Times' January 2008 issue.