Allina Hospitals Awarded Bariatric Center of Excellence Designations; ''National Designation Awarded By American Society of Bariatric Surgeons''.

MINNEAPOLIS -- Abbott Northwestern in Minneapolis and Unity Hospital in Fridley announced today they have been awarded the "Bariatric Center of Excellence" designation by the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons (ASBS). These Allina hospitals received the designation after thorough inspections of their facilities and an arduous, detailed examination of their bariatric program components and outcomes. This award is peer reviewed by the most competent doctors in the industry.

"We are extremely excited and proud about this designation," said Venetia Kudrle, president of Mercy & Unity Hospitals. "Bariatric Centers of Excellence is an important designation we take seriously. It allows patients to find health care facilities that have well-established programs that are dedicated to quality treatments and positive outcomes. We are honored that our bariatric programs are among the finest and our affiliated surgeons are acknowledged as some of the most competent in the nation by this prestigious organization."

Bariatric surgeons at Abbott Northwestern and Unity offer a number of surgical options and approaches for patients seeking significant weight loss. Services include informational seminars, pre-surgical clinical evaluation, medically-supervised weight loss programs, physical activity assessment and nutrition counseling.

"We are honored to be among the elite programs in the nation who have received this designation," said Crystal Schlosser, MD, Minneapolis Bariatric Surgeons. Schlosser is a physician with Abbott Northwestern's bariatric program. "This designation reassures patients that we have a well-established program dedicated to providing the highest quality care, the most highly skilled providers, appropriate equipment for this patient population and support of successful weight loss outcomes."

Obesity is considered a serious medical problem in America and is of great concern in the medical community. More than two-thirds of our nation is overweight; a distressing statistic that continues to increase each year.

Of even greater concern, more than 23 million Americans are considered "morbidly obese," which means that they have a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 40, exceeding their ideal body weight by at least 100 pounds. One third of these are considered "super obese."

It is well documented that the cost of this life-threatening condition can be chronic, disabling diseases including diabetes, hypertension and severe pulmonary compromise. These diseases as well as other disorders such as hyperlipidemia, asthma and infertility can be corrected by the rapid, permanent weight loss caused by the surgery and lifestyle changes prompted by the continuing medical support offered by designated ASBS Bariatric Centers of Excellence.

Bariatric surgery is a complex and challenging undertaking. Many patients are considered high surgical risks because of other serious medical conditions in addition to excessive weight. The psychosocial challenges require highly competent compassionate support after the surgery. Furniture, hospital equipment, instruments and imaging resources must be suitable to deal with patients who can exceed their ideal body weight by 400 pounds.

Abbott Northwestern and Unity bariatric surgeons have performed more than 7,500 weight loss operations.

Abbott Nothwestern affiliated surgeons offer a variety of surgical options for weight loss surgery. More information about the hospital can be found online at www.abbottnorthwestern.com.

Located in Fridley, Unity is a non-profit hospital that serves the northern Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. More information is located at www.mercyunity.com.

Allina Hospitals & Clinics is a not-for-profit system of hospitals, clinics and other health care services, providing care throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Allina owns and operates 11 hospitals, 65 clinics, hospice services, oxygen and equipment, pharmacies and emergency medical transportation services. Allina Hospitals & Clinics and the latest health information can be found online at www.allina.com.