"With more than two-thirds of Americans overweight or obese, bariatric surgery is becoming many people's last resort for overcoming it," said Jay Prystowsky, bariatric surgeon at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. "It is important for surgical candidates to know that the institution performing the surgery has been recognized among its toughest critics its peers for optimal performance and patient outcomes."

Northwestern Memorial went through a rigorous process to be considered for the designation, which included numerous applications, data review of short- and long-term patient outcomes, and an on-site inspection of equipment, supplies and surgeon training. The review was conducted by the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC), which administers the ASBS's Center of Excellence program.

The Bariatric Surgery practice at Northwestern Memorial Hospital not only includes specialists in bariatric surgery who, combined, have performed more than 900 surgeries since 1999, but who also work in conjunction with the Northwestern Memorial Hospital Wellness Institute for pre- and post-surgery support in nutrition, exercise and behavioral modifications. Candidates for bariatric surgery, which includes gastric by-pass and lap band, must have a body mass index (BMI) over 35, exceed their ideal body weight by at least 100 pounds, and have tried other weight-loss programs with little or no success.

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Contact: Molly Rabinovitz
mrabinov@nmh.org
312-926-9632
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
2-Feb-2006