Absorption
Process in which digested food is absorbed by the lower part of the small intestine into the bloodstream
Adipose
Fatty; having to do with fat
Anastomosis
Surgical connection between two structures
Bariatric
Having to do with weight or weight loss
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Method of figuring out the degree of excess weight. Based on weight and height.
Cardiovascular
Having to do with the heart and blood vessels
Clinically Severe Obesity
Body Mass Index of 40 or more, which is roughly equal to 100 pounds or more over ideal body weight; a weight level that is life-threatening. Also known as morbid obesity.
Co-Morbid
Illnesses (i.e., arthritis, hypertension) or disabling conditions related to severe obesity or obesity-related health conditions
Colon
Large intestine beginning at the end of the small intestine and ending at the rectum
Contraindications
Any symptom or situation that is inappropriate for an otherwise recommended treatment (i.e., alcoholism, drug dependency, severe depression, sociopathic [antisocial] personality disorder)
Criteria
Defines what is right for surgery
Digestion
Process in which food is broken down by the stomach and upper small intestine into usable forms
Dilation
Process of enlarging or further opening a passage or anastomosis
Disease
Process that is a hazard to health and/or longevity
Dumping Syndrome
Uncomfortable feeling of nausea, lightheadedness, upset stomach, vomiting, and/or diarrhea, related to ingestion of sweets, high-calorie liquids, or dairy products, or high-fat/fried foods
Duodenum
First 12 inches of small intestine immediately below the stomach. Bile and pancreatic fluids flow into the duodenum through ducts from the liver and pancreas.
Gastric
Having to do with the stomach
Gastric Bypass Surgery
Operation designed to make a portion of the stomach nonfunctioning and to reroute the small intestine
Gastrointestinal
Having to do with the stomach or intestine
Genetic
Having to do with inherited physical characteristics
Hernia
A weakness in the abdominal wall that results in a detectable bulge
Herniation
Process in which a hernia is formed
Hypertension
High blood pressure
Ileum
The 10 feet of small intestine that handle absorption
Jejunum
The 10 feet of small intestine that handle digestion
Kilogram
Measure of weight equal to 2.2 pounds
Laparoscopy
Method that allows a doctor to see and treat intra-abdominal problems with long fiber-optic instruments
Morbid
Having to do with disease, illness, and a higher risk of death
Morbid Obesity
Body Mass Index of 40 or more, which is roughly equal to 100 pounds or more over ideal body weight; a weight level that is life-threatening
Mortality
Having to do with death
Multidisciplinary Bariatric Program
Team approach to testing and treatment of clinically severe obesity; includes surgical, internal medicine, nutrition, psychiatric, and exercise physiology, assessment, and treatment
NIH
National Institutes of Health
NIH Surgical Criteria
The National Institutes of Health has established minimum requirements for deciding whether bariatric surgery is the right treatment option:
100 pounds or more above ideal body weight or a BMI of 40 or greater3
BMI of 35 or greater with one or more obesity-related health condition3
Obesity
Having to do with excessive weight or adipose tissue
Obstructions
Narrowing of an anastomosis or a part of the gastrointestinal tract that slows down the normal passage of food or waste
Psychotherapy
Testing and treatment of mentally related disorders
Pulmonary
Having to do with the lungs
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery
A surgical method of reconnecting the stomach and upper small intestines in roughly a Y shape
Staples
Surgically sterile devices for connecting tissue; usually they are permanent and made of stainless steel or titanium
Strictures
Narrowing of anastomosis or a section of intestine; often related to scarring or ulcers
Therapy
Treatment
Type 2 Diabetes
A disorder of glucose and insulin metabolism