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Bariatric Surgery Dictionary
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abdominal hernia: A protrusion of tissue inside the body that occurs as a possible side effect of bariatric surgery.
abdominoplasty: A plastic surgery procedure used to remove excess skin and fat that has developed in the abdominal area after undergoing bariatric surgery.
adjustable gastric band: A small device placed around the top of the stomach during bariatric surgery to stimulate weight loss among obese patients.
anastomotic leaking: Fluid that flows from the gastrointestinal tract into the abdominal cavity if the connection between the stomach and bowel does not form tightly after surgery.
bariatrics: The branch of medicine that addresses obesity, both through prevention and various treatments.
BPD/DS: biliopancreatic diversion; a bariatric procedure during that part of the stomach is closed off, making the small intestine connect to the new resulting pouch, passing the duodenum and jejunum. The patient, in essence, has a smaller stomach.
body contouring: A cosmetic procedure some bariatric surgery patients elect to undergo after dramatic weight loss to remove extra skin and fat.
body lift plastic surgery: A more complex cosmetic surgery procedure where skin is surgically tightened around the entire body in one stage. This type of cosmetic surgery holds a higher chance for complications during the healing process than body contouring.
body mass index: A numeric formula that poses the weight of an individual against their height to determine where they stand among the general population in terms of weight.
bowel obstruction: A barrier within the intestines that blocks normal digestive flow; a possible side effect of gastric bypass surgery.
brachioplasty: A cosmetic surgery procedure also known as an arm lift, that removes extra skin and fat from the upper arm.
cannula: A small flexible tube that is inserted into the body to remove fat during a liposuction procedure.
cardiovascular disease: A category of diseases that affect the heart, arteries and veins (often linked with obesity).
cold light source: A small halogen or xenon light used in latharoscopic surgery.
comorbidities: A state in which a patient has more than one disease in addition to a primary disease.
diabetes: A problem of insulin resistance within the body often marked by insulin deficiency and hyperglycemia; a disorder linked to obesity that can be ameliorated by gastric bypass surgery.
duodenum: A tube at the beginning of the small intestine that connects the stomach to the jejunum.
duodenal switch: A bariatric procedure that restricts the stomach and works to prevent the absorption of fat and calories.
emotional impact: An often-overlooked side effect of bariatric surgery, during that some patients experience depression after the procedure.
endoscopy: An area of medicine that focuses on examining the body by inserting a small fiber optic light.
