Article in Today's APP on Bariatric Surgery

Thought this was interesting - most notably the first and fourth paragraphs - obviously having somethind to do with the surgeons at those hospitals having the most experience! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- N.J. issues report on stomach-reduction surgery Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 05/3/07 ASSOCIATED PRESS Post Comment TRENTON -- New Jersey hospitals that perform the most stomach-reduction surgeries have the fewest deaths and complications, according to the state's second report on bariatric surgeries in two years. Thirteen deaths were reported in the state as a result of the surgery compared with seven in 2003. The report found almost eight of every 10 patients to undergo stomach stapling or narrowing were women, mainly between 30 and 54 years old. Hackensack University Medical Center, Morristown Memorial Hospital, Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston and AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City performed more than half of all operations. More than 7 percent of patients were readmitted within 30 days, the report said. "The surgery is not for everyone and it's only a tool, Health Commissioner Fred Jacobs said. Jacobs lost 78 pounds after his stomach was reduced in December.

hey nanette interesting, thanks for posting jacki

I read a longer version of the article in today's Ledger. You can find it online at: www.nj.com, click on Star Ledger. The findings were based on data frm 2005.