Is illness , not age , the leveler of social mortality differences in old age?
The idea of "age as leveler" has to be revised because it is illness and not age that levels SES mortality differences. That the transition from poor health to death is independent from SES suggests that social mortality differences originate in early stages of the health deterioration process. Intensive treatment for very sick people will not decrease SES mortality differences.
The correctly placed gastric band is an effective anti-reflux barrier in the short term. Long-term results have to be awaited.