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This list is in alphabetical order. Please scroll down or click on the letter below.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Absorption – The process in which digested food is absorbed into the blood stream.

Adipose – Having to do with fat.

Amenorrhea – Abnormal ending of menstruation without the presence of pregnancy or lactation.

Anastomosis – Surgical connection between the stomach and the small intestine.

Anemia – A condition in which the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood is less than normal. Anemia is usually detected/confirmed by a complete blood cell (CBC) count.

Asthma/Pulmonary disorder – A disease of the bronchial tubes in which breathing becomes difficult. This is caused by a narrowing of the bronchial tubes, swelling of the lining of these airways, and an overproduction of mucus.

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Bariatrics – Medical specialty related to the causes, prevention, and treatment of obesity.

BMI – Body Mass Index. A measurement of the relative percentages of fat and muscle mass in the human body. BMI can be calculated with the formula:

Bowel obstruction - A partial or complete blockage of the passageways in the small intestine. Obstruction can occur for many reasons including postoperative adhesions, Crohn’s disease, and hernias.

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Cardiovascular disease – A classification of diseases which affects the heart and its branches and/or the peripheral vascular system.

Center of Excellence – A distinguished designation granted by the American Society for Bariatric Surgery to surgical centers and hospitals with the best surgical outcomes and clinical practices.

Cholesterol –The sum of all the cholesterol in your blood. High cholesterol levels are associated with greater risk for heart disease.

Colon - Part of the large intestine that removes water from digested food so that solid waste, called stool, can pass through the rectum and leave the body.

Comorbidities – Life-threatening diseases directly caused by morbid obesity or made worse by morbid obesity.

Congestive heart failure – A disorder in which the heart loses its ability to pump blood efficiently. The term "heart failure" should not be confused with cardiac arrest, a situation in which the heart actually stops beating.

Contraindications – Symptoms or situations which make an otherwise recommended treatment inappropriate (i.e., alcoholism, drug dependency, severe depression, etc.).

Core muscles – Stabilizing muscles of the spine and torso that provide the foundation for all movements. When these muscles contract, the spine, pelvis and shoulders receive a solid base of support so that powerful movements of the extremities can be generated.
Training the muscles of the core also corrects postural imbalances that may cause injury. Core training develops functional fitness, that which is essential to the performance of regular daily activities.

Coronary artery disease – A disease in which there is a gradual buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries circling the heart. Commonly called atherosclerosis ("hardening of the arteries"), this condition interferes with the blood’s ability to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the body.

Criteria - Defines what is appropriate for surgery.

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Degeneratvie Joint Disease (DJD) – Another term for osteoarthritis, a disease characterized by pain and inflammation in the weight bearing joints. This occurs from a progressive loss of cartilage in the joints, commonly the hips, knees, and spine, but it can also affect any joint with previous injury from trauma, infection, or inflammation.

Depression – A mood disorder causing overwhelming feelings of sadness or hopelessness. If left untreated, depression can compromise the activities of daily living.

Diabetes – Diabetes is a disease in which sugars in the blood, called glucose, are above normal. This occurs because the hormone insulin created by the pancreas, cannot process the glucose properly for energy use.

Digestion – The process in which food is broken down in the intestine into absorbable forms of energy for the body to use.

Dilation – The process of enlarging or further opening a passage or anastomosis.

Dumping syndrome – Unpleasant symptoms of nausea, uncomfortable fullness, cramping & diarrhea, or weakness, fatigue, sweating, and a fast heart rate that occur as a result of concentrated sugar consumption after gastric bypass surgery.

Duodenum – The first section of the small intestine immediately below the stomach. Bile and pancreatic fluids flow into the duodenum through ducts from the liver and pancreas.

Dyslipidemia –- A disorder in which the total cholesterol concentration in the blood is too high or imbalanced from high levels of the "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoproteins and triglycerides) and low levels of the "good" cholesterols (high-density lipoproteins).

Dysmenorrhea – A common occurrence of severe pain during the menstrual cycle.

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Food intolerances – Unpleasant physical reaction to foods or beverages that are consumed. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, cramping, bloating, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort.

Gallstones – Deposits of cholesterol and bile salts that form inside the gallbladder. Symptomatic gallstones usually cause sudden, severe abdominal pain and may require gallbladder removal.

Gastric pouch – the small portion of the stomach that continues to receive consumed food and beverages after gastric bypass surgery. This pouch is separated from the bypassed portion or body of the stomach with non-reactive titanium staples.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) – A disease in which frequent and persistent heartburn after eating or bending over is caused by an abnormal backflow, or reflux, of gastric acid and juices into the esophagus. This occurs because the valve at the lower end of the esophagus (the lower esophageal sphincter) does not close tightly enough.

Gastrointestinal – Having to do with the stomach or intestines.

Gastrojejunostomy anastomosis – Refers to the upper connection of stomach pouch to a portion of the small intestine in gastric bypass surgery.

Genetic – Factors related to inherited physical characteristics.

Ghrelin – A stomach hormone that has significant effects on appetite and energy balance.

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Heart disease – A structural or functional abnormality of the heart, or of the blood vessels supplying the heart, that impairs its normal functioning.

Hernia – A defect in the abdominal wall that occurs when a portion of the small intestine or other tissue pushes through a healing, but weakened opening.

Hyperosmolality – Having highly concentrated substances capable of causing dumping syndrome.

Hyper-Insulinemia –is an endocrine disorder which occurs when insulin progressively loses its ability to move glucose from the blood stream into the cells for energy. As a result, insulin and glucose levels rise in the blood, and arteries and other blood vessels are damaged.

Hyperlipidemia – High levels of fat in the blood. This is associated with high cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Hypertension – High blood pressure (≥ 140/90 mm Hg)

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Ideal Body Weight – Based upon gender and height, this calculation determines a body weight goal for optimum health and body functioning. To find your ideal body weight, use this formula: (height (inches) – 60) x 3 + 119

Infertility – A disease of the reproductive system that impairs conception of children.
Intestinal leakage – Leak of digestive fluid after gastric bypass surgery along any of the staple lines. Although rare, this is a potential risk of surgery and may require additional procedures to repair the leak.

Jejunum – The second portion of the small intestine, just after the duodenum.

Ketosis – An abnormal increase of ketone bodies in the body in conditions of reduced or disturbed carbohydrate metabolism (as in uncontrolled diabetes).

Kidney stones – A hard mass of crystals that separate from the urine and build up along the inner surfaces of the kidney. Normally, urine contains chemical inhibitors that prevent crystals from forming, however, if there is a problem with this reaction, stones can develop.

Lactose intolerance – Inability to digest lactose (milk or milk products) usually accompanied by symptoms of abdominal cramping, bloating, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, etc. Gastric bypass may cause lactose intolerance in a person who had no problems with lactose digestion before surgery. A variety of lactose-free products are available at most grocery stores.

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Laparoscopy – A surgical method in which long, fiber optic instruments are inserted through several small incisions to treat intra-abdominal problems.

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (Lap banding) – A restrictive weight loss surgery procedure that limits the amount of food the stomach can hold at one time. The degree of restriction can easily be adjusted or reversed by tightening or removing the silicone band that is wrapped around the upper part of the stomach.

Loss of appetite – This frequently occurs after gastric bypass surgery and may last up to one year or longer. Therefore it is important to learn to eat throughout the day even if you are not hungry. Your dietitian can help you optimize your nutritional intake after surgery through follow up classes and one on one counseling as needed.

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Malabsorptive – A term used to classify one type of weight loss surgery method. This method bypasses part of the small intestine so that absorption of nutrients is compromised.

Menstrual irregularity – An irregular menstrual cycle typified by extended periods or prolonged delay of menstruation. Although girls and teenagers who begin menstruation usually have irregular periods, adult women may also have irregular cycles. This can be attributed to problems in the uterus or ovaries and should be evaluated by a physician to rule out disease.

Metabolism – The chemical processes occurring within a living cell or organism that are necessary for the maintenance of life. In metabolism some substances are broken down to yield energy for vital processes while other substances, necessary for life, are synthesized.

Multidisciplinary Bariatric Program – A team approach to the treatment of morbid obesity including surgical, medical, nutrition, psychological, and exercise components.

Mortality – death.

Morbid obesity – The condition of weighing at least 100 pounds over ideal body weight. This classification of obesity is the most severe, often associated with many other diseases, and in itself, may shorten a person’s life.

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Nausea – symptoms describing an upset or queasy stomach

Open procedure - Making an incision to do the operation; opening the abdomen.

Osteoarthritis – Can be used interchangeably with degenerative joint disease, a disease characterized by pain and inflammation in the weight bearing joints. This occurs from a progressive loss of cartilage in the joints, commonly the hips, knees, and spine, but it can also affect any joint with previous injury from trauma, infection, or inflammation.

Overeating – Almost all people who require gastric bypass surgery have had problems with overeating. The causes for this are complex, involving genetics, emotions, environment, and even certain functions of the brain. Education, counseling, and group support can help prevent overeating after surgery, and are just as important as diet and exercise to the success of the operation.

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Peripheral neuropathy – Damage to nerves of the peripheral nervous system characterized by compromised or total loss of sensation commonly caused by diabetes.

Physical activit – The amount of energy the body burns during daily activities such as exercise, recreation, work, housework, etc. Daily physical activities account for 20 - 40% of calories burned each day. This part will vary depending on the individual and how active they are each day.

Pre-op – Before surgery (Pre Operation). The time and events prior to surgery.

Post-op – After surgery (Post Operation).The time and events after surgery.

Panniculectomy – The removal of excess sagging tissue and skin from the abdomen (“tummy tuck”).

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Respiratory disease – A classification of diseases, including asthma, lung cancer, and tuberculosis, that harm the respiratory system. Illness is often associated with minor respiratory problems like sore throat, cough, or bronchitis.
Resting Metabolic Rate: This is the amount of calories needed to run all essential functions and chemical reactions while in a rested and quiet state. RMR is the largest part of total metabolism and accounts for 65 - 75% of calories burned in a day.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass – A combination procedure in which a small “pouch” is created from permanent surgical division of the stomach to restrict the volume of food that can be eaten. This pouch is then connected directly to the jejunum (the latter portion of the small intestine) causing malabsorption of some nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. The remaining portion of the stomach stays intact while the bypassed portion of the small intestine continues to drain bile and pancreatic juices at another connection further down the intestine.

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Sleep apnea – A condition in which breathing temporarily stops or becomes shallow during sleep. Most commonly, obstructive sleep apnea is associated with obesity. This occurs when air cannot flow into your lungs through your mouth and nose, and if prolonged, the amount of oxygen in your blood drops.

Staples – Surgically sterile devices for connecting tissue; usually they are permanent and made of stainless steel or titanium.

Stricture/Esophagitis – An abnormal narrowing in the region where the esophagus meets the gastric pouch. This usually requires a minor procedure to dilate the stricture.

Stroke – A condition in which blood flow to the brain is temporarily blocked by a clot. Without oxygen and nutrients from blood, brain cells begin to die immediately. The severity of the stroke often depends upon the area of the brain affected and the duration of the blockage.

Synergy –The interaction of two or more forces so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects.

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Target Heart Rate – A heart rate goal of the most efficient speed during exercise. Target heart rate is often described as a range of 60 – 80 % of your maximum heart rate. To find your target zone:
1. Find your maximum heart rate (MHR) by subtracting your age from 220
2. Multiple (MHR) by 0.60 = lower end of the target heart rate zone
3. Multiply (MHR) by 0.80 = upper end of the target heart rate zone
Try to work within this zone during exercise. Remember, this may be difficult to achieve if you are not physically conditioned and everyone should seek the advice of a physician before starting an exercise program.

Urinary stress incontinence – Involuntary loss of urine during physical activity that occurs a result of diminished strength in the urethral sphincter. This condition is commonly associated with severe obesity.

Vertical banded gastroplasty – A restrictive weight loss surgery procedure in which the upper part of the stomach is stapled vertically to create a small pouch. The outlet from the pouch to the rest of the stomach is restricted by a band delays the emptying of food from the pouch creating a feeling of fullness.

Vitamin/mineral deficiency – Insufficient amounts of vitamins and/or minerals in the blood due to diet or supplementation inadequacies. Malabsorption of essential vitamins and minerals after weight loss surgery poses multiple challenges to maintenance of optimal health and prevention of chronic diseases.

Vomiting (or emesis) – Forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth. Occasionally after gastric bypass, food intolerances or eating too quickly may cause vomiting.
Weight loss plateau: A phase of weight reduction in which there is no loss of weight or inches for at least four inches despite adherence to a strict diet and activity regimen.
WLS – An acronym for weight loss surgery.

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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

 
 
     
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