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August 2, 2012

U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr.
U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr.

Congressman Jackson Enters Mayo Clinic for Treatment of Depression

Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr., was admitted to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., where is he is being treated for depression and gastronintestinal problems, a clinic spokesperson said on Saturday.

Additional  information about Jackson, a Democrat who represents Illinois' second congressional district, will be released when his evaluation proceeds, the spokesperson added.

Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr., father of the Congressman, said on Saturday there is no timetable for his son's recovery.

Jackson took a leave of absence on June 10, but his congressional office did not disclose it until two weeks later. Under mounting pressure for information, his office said he was being treated for a mood disorder at a Tucson, Ariz., clinic.

The treatment for a gastrointestinal problems adds to the mystery regarding Jackson's physical and mental health problems.  In 2004, Jackson went under the knife to undergo a weight-loss procedure that involved removing part of his stomach and rearranging his intestine.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported in Sunday's editions that the duodenal bypass surgery involves the removal of 70 percent of the stomach. The surgery immediately cures type II diabetes, but patients must take large amounts of vitamins and mineral supplements following the surgery. The procedure is not reversible because physicians have removed part of the stomach.

The surgical procedure can cause long-term difficulties, including a disruption of the body's ability to absorb nutrients.

Mayo Clinic officials also reported that Jackson and his family were grateful for the outpouring of support and prayers they have received throughout his care.

Jackson is up for re-election in November. Unless something even more dramatic occurs, he is expected to be a shoe-in because his district is heavily Democratic.

The Mayo Clinic is considered a worldwide leader in medical care, research and education.

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