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Absorption: The process in which digested food is absorbed by the lower part of the small intestine into the bloodstream.

Adipose: Tissue made up of mainly fat cells.

Bariatric: A term having to do with weight or weight reduction.

Body Mass Index (BMI): A method of figuring out the degree of excess weight, based on weight and height.

Cardiovascular: A term referring to the heart and blood vessels.

Certificate of Coverage: A document provided by a health insurance company that describes the details of the plan’s policy, including requirements for eligibility, benefits, deductibles, maximums, and exclusions of coverage.

Co-morbid Condition: This is a disease or disorder related to a primary condition.

Colon: The part of the large intestine that starts at the end of the small intestine and ends at the rectum.

Contraindications: Any symptom or circumstance, such as substance abuse, emotional health issues, or other health conditions, that causes a healthcare professional to not recommend a treatment.

Criteria: A standard on which a judgment or decision may be based.

Digestion: A process in which food is broken down into absorbable forms by the stomach and upper small intestine.

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

Disease: A process that is a hazard to health and/or longevity.

Dumping Syndrome: An uncomfortable episode of nausea, lightheadedness, upset stomach, vomiting, and/or diarrhea, related to ingestion of high-sugar, high-fat foods or liquids that can occur after certain bariatric surgeries, such as gastric bypass.

Duodenum: The first 12 inches of small intestine immediately below the stomach. Bile and pancreatic fluids flow into the duodenum from the liver and pancreas.

Excess Weight: Excess weight is the difference between the patient’s actual weight and a healthy weight.

Gastric: A term having to do with the stomach.

Gastric Banding Surgery: This is a restrictive surgical procedure during which a silicone band is placed around the stomach, creating a small pouch. The band includes a balloon that is filled with a nontoxic fluid, most commonly a saline solution; adjustments are performed by a healthcare professional that accesses the balloon via a subcutaneous port.

Gastric Bypass Surgery: This surgical procedure uses both malabsorption and restriction. During gastric bypass, the operating surgeon uses part of the stomach to form a small stomach pouch and reroutes a part of the small intestine. There are several variations of gastric bypass surgery including Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, extensive gastric bypass, and very long-limb gastric bypass.

Gastrointestinal: This term describes the entire digestive tract.

Genetic: This term pertains to inherited characteristics.

Hernia: A weakness in the tissue of the abdominal wall that results in a detectable bulge.

Herniation: A process in which a hernia is formed.

Hypertension: This is a term for high blood pressure.

Ileum: The 10 feet of small intestine responsible for absorption.

Jejunum: The 10 feet of small intestine responsible for digestion.

Laparoscopy: A method that allows a doctor to see and treat intra-abdominal problems with long fiber-optic instruments.

Morbid: This term refers to disease or illness.

Morbid Obesity: A Body Mass Index of 40 or greater, which is roughly equal to 100 pounds or more over ideal body weight, or a Body Mass Index of 35 or greater with one or more co-morbid condition; these weight levels can be life-threatening.

Multidisciplinary Bariatric Program: A team approach to testing and treatment of clinically severe obesity. It includes surgical, internal medicine, nutrition, psychiatric, exercise physiology, assessment, and treatment.

NIH The National Institutes of Health (NIH): a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is the primary federal agency for conducting and supporting medical research.

NIH Consensus Report: Summaries of meetings about clinically severe obesity and the assessment and treatment of obesity issued periodically by NIH.

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 greater BMI of 35 or greater with one or more obesity-related health condition

Obesity: A term having to do with excessive weight or adipose tissue.

Obstruction: The narrowing of an anastomosis or a part of the gastrointestinal tract that slows down the normal passage of food or waste.

Psychotherapy: The testing and treatment of emotional disorders.

Pulmonary: A term having to do with the lungs.

Resolution: The complete relief from symptoms of a disease or disorder, such that medical tests do not detect its existence.

Relative Risk: The comparison of how likely an event is to occur to a person versus another person.

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery: A surgical method of reconnecting the stomach and upper small intestine in a Y- shape.

Staples: Surgically sterile staples, similar in look and function to those used to fasten paper, for connecting tissue. Staples are usually permanent and made of stainless steel or titanium.

Strictures: The narrowing of anastomosis or a section of intestine that is often related to scarring or ulcers.

Type 2 Diabetes: A disorder of glucose and insulin metabolism