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Sobaba - Weight loss glossary Category: Health and Medicine > Weight Loss Glossary Date & country: 30/08/2013, USA Words: 215

Hypertension
High blood pressure, defined as a repeatedly elevated blood pressure exceeding 140 over 90 mmHg -- a systolic pressure above 140 with a diastolic pressure above 90.

Ideal Body weight
The standards set by the Metropolitan Life insurance company. The company looked at hundreds of thousands of people to determine what weight is the healthiest.

Inamed
the Corporation that produces the Lap-Band system. http://www.inamed.com

Incidence
The frequency with which something, such as a disease, appears in a particular population or area. In disease epidemiology, the incidence is the number of newly diagnosed cases during a specific time period. The incidence is distinct from the prevalence which refers to the number of cases alive on a certain date.

Insulin
A natural hormone made by the pancreas that controls the level of the sugar glucose in the blood. Insulin permits cells to use glucose for energy. Cells cannot utilize glucose without insulin.

Insulin Resistance
The diminished ability of cells to respond to the action of insulin in transporting glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream into muscle and other tissues. Insulin resistance typically develops with obesity and heralds the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Iron
An essential mineral. Iron is necessary for the transport of oxygen (via hemoglobin in red blood cells) and for oxidation by cells (via cytochrome). Deficiency of iron is a common cause of anemia. Food sources of iron include meat, poultry, eggs, vegetables and cereals (especially those fortified with iron).

Jejunum
The Jejunum is the first half of the small intestine. Generally, all intestinal surgery during a gastric bypass involves the jejunum

Laparoscope
A long, narrow, tubular instrument used in the field of laparoscopy that has a lens on one end and a camera on the other. This allows the surgeon to see inside the abdomen using only tiny incisions.

Laparoscopic
Abbreviated Lap. Operation performed using a laparoscope, a thin fiber-optic scope introduced into a body cavity through 4 or 5 small stab wounds.

Laparoscopy
The general category of procedures where a laparoscope is used. Click here to read about the advantages of laparoscopic surgery.

Lean Body Mass
The mass of the body minus the fat (storage lipid).

Leptin
A hormone that has a central role in fat metabolism. Leptin was originally thought to be a signal to lose weight but it may, instead, be a signal to the brain that there is fat on the body.

Liver
An organ in the upper abdomen that aids in digestion and removes waste products and worn-out cells from the blood. The liver is the largest solid organ in the body. The liver weighs about three and a half pounds (1.6 kilograms). It measures about 8 inches (20 cm) horizontally (across) and 6.5 inches (17 cm) vertically (down) and is 4.5 inches (12 cm) thick.

Malabsorption
A situation where only a small percentage of the calories and nutrients eaten are digested and absorbed. After the duodenal switch, patients do not absorb all of the calories and nutrients that they eat.

Malabsorption
Impaired intestinal absorption of nutrients, causing food to be poorly digested and absorbed. Often happens as a result of gastric bypass surgery.

Meridia (sibutramine)
A weight loss diet pill that suppresses appetite by inhibiting the re-uptake of applicable hormones.

Metabolic
Relating to metabolism, the whole range of biochemical processes that occur within us (or any living organism). Metabolism consists of anabolism (the buildup of substances) and catabolism (the breakdown of substances).

Metabolism
The chemical processes that take place within a living cell or organism that break down substances to provide energy and/or raw materials which are then re-synthesized into new and necessary substances to support life.

Metabolism
The whole range of biochemical processes that occur within us (or any living organism). Metabolism consists both of anabolism and catabolism (the buildup and breakdown of substances, respectively). The term is commonly used to refer specifically to the breakdown of food and its transformation into energy.

Mini-gastric bypass
An operation for weight loss that should not be performed. The MGB can cause bile gastritis and severe reflux. This operation is not condoned by the ASBS or the NIH.

Minimally Invasive surgery
Surgery that is based on the concept that patient outcomes are improved with less surgical trauma. The main example is laparoscopic procedures

Morbid Obesity
Severe obesity in which a person's BMI is over 40. This definition of obesity is generally equivalent to having 100 or more pounds to lose.

Muscular
Having to do with the muscles. Also, endowed with above average muscle development. Muscular system refers to all of the muscles of the body collectively.

Nerve
A bundle of fibers that uses chemical and electrical signals to transmit sensory and motor information from one body part to another.

Nutraceutical
A naturally occurring food (Garlic, Soy) or food supplement (Cod Liver Oil) believed to have beneficial effects on human health.

Nutrition
For the purposes of this weight loss glossary, 1) The science or practice of taking in and utilizing foods. 2) A nourishing substance, such as nutritional solutions delivered to hospitalized patients via an IV or IG tube.

Nutritionist
An expert trained in the field of nutrition who is able give advice in regard to allergies or health problems, and plan healthy diets to assist in weight loss.

Obese
Well above ones normal weight. A definition of obesity means a person is more than 20 percent over their ideal weight, or a BMI over 30. That ideal weight must take into account the person's height, age, sex, and build.

Obese, Obesity
The condition having and increased body weight caused by excessive accumulation of fat. This is usually indicated as having a Body Mass Index in excess of 30.

Obesity
The state of being well above one's normal weight. Current definitions of obesity refer to a BMI over 30.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea
A significant medical disease caused by closure of the throat during sleep. This is very common in obese people. Sleep apnea strains the heart and lungs and is a significant cause of early death.

Onset
In medicine, the first appearance of the signs or symptoms of an illness as, for example, the onset of rheumatoid arthritis. There is always an onset to a disease but never to the return to good health. The default setting is good health.

Open
For the purposes of this weight loss glossary, making an incision to do the operation; opening the abdomen.

Orlistat
A commonly prescribed fat absorption medication, it is sold under the brand name Xenical.

Overweight
The condition of weighing more than is normal or healthy for one

Pain
An unpleasant sensation that can range from mild, localized discomfort to agony. Pain has both physical and emotional components. The physical part of pain results from nerve stimulation. Pain may be contained to a discrete area, as in an injury, or it can be more diffuse, as in disorders like fibromyalgia. Pain is mediated by specific nerve fibers that carry the pain impulses to the brain where their conscious appreciation may be modified by many factors.

Pancreas
A fish-shaped spongy grayish-pink organ about 6 inches (15 cm) long that stretches across the back of the abdomen, behind the stomach. The head of the pancreas is on the right side of the abdomen and is connected to the duodenum (the first section of the small intestine). The narrow end of the pancreas, called the tail, extends to the left side of the body.

Panniculectomy
The removal of the tissue and skin from the abdomen; a tummy tuck. (Never use the term tummy tuck when communicating with an insurance company. They like to deny this surgery!).

PCA
Patient Controlled Analgesia. A pump attached to the IV after surgery which allows a patient to push a button and give themselves a dose of pain medication. Often used during the first night in the hospital after surgery.

Periop
Surrounding surgery (Peri=around, as in periscope [around-looking]). The time/events before, during and after surgery.

Phen-fen
A weight loss drug made up of fenfluramine and phentermine. Its use has been linked to heart valve problems and has been banned by the FDA.

Phentermine
An appetite suppressant that disrupts the transmission of signals from the neurotransmitters and is used in the management of obesity.

Phenylpropanolamine (PPA)
Once a common weight loss ingredient in appetite suppressants, recent studies have linked PPA to an increased risk of stroke. The FDA warns consumers to avoid use of products containing PPA and requested that manufacturers voluntarily discontinue marketing these products.

Photo Facial
Photo Facial is combination of both intense pulsed light (IPL) technology and Laser to simultaneously treat sun damage, redness, broken capillaries, uneven pigmentation, texture and fine lines.

Physical activity
Any form of exercise or movement. Physical activity may include planned activity such as walking, running, basketball, or other sports. Physical activity may also include other daily activities such as household chores, yard work, walking the dog, etc. It is recommended that adults get at least 30 minutes and children get at least 60 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week. Moderate physical activity is any activity that requires about as much energy as walking two miles in 30 minutes.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
This is a common disease among women who are obese. PCOS causes irregular menstrual cycles, excess hair growth, infertility and acne. Often, many of the symptoms of PCOS will resolve with weight loss.

Polyunsaturated Fat
A type of fat that is found in large amounts in foods from plants, including safflower, sunflower and corn oil.

Port
the portion of the Lap-Band that is accessible under the skin for the injection or removal of saline.

Postmenopausal
After the menopause. Postmenopausal is defined formally as the time after which a woman has experienced twelve (12) consecutive months of amenorrhea (lack of menstruation) without a period.

Postop
After surgery (Post Operation). For the purposes of this weight loss glossary, the time/events after weight loss surgery.

Potassium
The major positive ion (cation) found inside of cells. The chemical notation for potassium is K+.

Pouch
The new small stomach created during most bariatric surgeries, such as gastric bypass.

Pouch
The newly created stomach after bariatric surgery. Usually holds about an ounce of food.

Pre-Approval
This term is used when the insurance company has agreed, prior to surgery, to cover the procedure.

Preop
Before surgery (Pre Operation). For the purposes of this weight loss glossary, the time/events prior to weight loss surgery.

Protein
A large molecule composed of one or more Postop

Protein
An organic compound that is the building block of the human body. Protein builds and maintains muscle tissue.

Proteins
A group of complex organic macromolecules that are the basic building blocks of all living cells and are therefore essential in the diet of animals for the growth and repair of tissue.

Pulmonary
Having to do with the lungs. (The word comes from the Latin pulmo for lung).

Pulmonary Hypertension
High blood pressure in the pulmonary artery that conveys blood from the right ventricle to the lungs. The pressure in the pulmonary artery is normally low compared to that in the aorta. Pulmonary hypertension can irrevocably damage the lungs and cause failure of the right ventricle.

Pyruvate
Formed in the body during digestion of carbohydrates and protein, some studies indicate that it may help with weight loss. Although it appears to be safe, claims of boosting metabolism, decreasing appetite and aiding in weight loss require further study.

Randomized
The use of chance alone to assign the participants in an experiment or trial to different groups in order to fairly compare the outcomes with different treatments. Randomization is an important feature of experimental design.

Range
In medicine and statistics, the difference between the lowest and highest numerical values. For example, if five premature infants are born weighing two, three, four, four, and five pounds respectively, the range of their birth weights is two to five pounds.

Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)
The level of essential nutrients required to adequately meet the known nutrient needs of practically all healthy persons, according to the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Sciences.

Rectum
The last 6 to 8 inches of the large intestine. The rectum stores solid waste until it leaves the body through the anus. The word rectum comes from the Latin rectus meaning straight (which the human rectum is not).

Reflexology
applies pressure points on specific areas of the feet which correspond to areas throughout the body. Our deluxe reflexology incorporates a soothing moisturizing treatment for the ultimate in luxury.

Relapse
The return of signs and symptoms of a disease after a patient has enjoyed a remission. For example, after treatment a patient with cancer of the colon went into remission with no sign or symptom of the tumor, remained in remission for 4 years, but then suffered a relapse and had to be treated once again for colon cancer.

Resistance
Opposition to something, or the ability to withstand it. For example, some forms of staphylococcus are resistant to treatment with antibiotics.

Restriction Operation
In this type of surgery, food intake is restricted by creating a small pouch at the top of the stomach where the food enters from the esophagus. Examples of restriction operations include adjustable gastric banding and vertical banded gastroplasty.

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RGB)
The most common gastric bypass procedure performed in the U.S.

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RGB)
This operation is the most common gastric bypass procedure. First, a small stomach pouch is created by stapling or by vertical banding. This gastric bypass procedure causes restriction in food intake. Next, a Y-shaped section of the small intestine is attached to the pouch to allow food to bypass the duodenum (the first segment of the small intestine) as well as the first portion of the jejunum (the second segment of the small intestine). This gastric bypass procedure ccauses reduced calorie and nutrient absorption the procedure is more extensive than the VBG (below). Some people prefer it because of a sick feeling that results (called dumping) when post op patients overeat. This can be a powerful feedback/learning mechanism whereby people lose their interest at a gut instinct level in eating excessive carbohydrates.

Saccharin
An artificial sweetener which diluted in water is 300-500 times sweeter than the sugar sucrose. (Saccharin is o-sulfobenzimide; 2,3-dihydro-3-oxobenzisosulfonazole.)

Salt
In medicine, salt usually refers to sodium chloride, table salt, used for seasoning food, for the preservation of meat, etc. Salt is found in the earth and in sea water and is isolated by evaporation and crystallization from sea water and other water impregnated with particles of salt.

Satiety
Lack of Hunger. Satisfaction with the amount of food eaten.

Saturated Fat
A type of fat most often found in animal food products including milk, eggs, meat and butter. Saturated fat is also found in vegetable products such as coconut and palm oil. Studies show that too much saturated fat in a person

Saturated Fats
Fatty acids that are saturated with Hydrogen atoms, are mainly found in animal tissue, and should be restricted in the diet.

Sensation
In medicine and physiology, sensation refers to the registration of an incoming (afferent) nerve impulse in that part of the brain called the sensorial, which is capable of such perception. Therefore, the awareness of a stimulus as a result of its perception by sensory receptors. (Sensory is here synonymous with sensation.)

Sensitivity
1. in psychology, the quality of being sensitive. As, for example, sensitivity training, training in small groups to develop a sensitive awareness and understanding of oneself and of ones relationships with others. 2. in disease epidemiology, the ability of a system to detect epidemics and other changes in disease occurrence. 3. In screening for a disease, the proportion of persons with the disease who are correctly identified by a screening test. 4. In the definition of a disease, the proportion of persons with the disease who are correctly identified by defined criteria.

Serotonin
A hormone, also called 5-hydroxytryptamine, in the pineal gland, blood platelets, the digestive tract, and the brain. Serotonin acts both as a chemical messenger that transmits nerve signals between nerve cells and that causes blood vessels to narrow.

Serotonin
A neurotransmitter found in the brain that affects mood and appetite.

Shock
In medicine, shock is a critical condition brought on by a sudden drop in blood flow through the body. There is failure of the circulatory system to maintain adequate blood flow.

Sibutramine
A common prescription appetite suppressant, it is sold under the brand name Meridia.

Side Effects
Problems that occur when treatment goes beyond the desired effect. Or problems that occur in addition to the desired therapeutic effect.

Simple Sugars
Single Molecule sugars such as glucose, fructose, and galactose.

Skin
The skin is the body's outer covering. It protects us against heat and light, injury, and infection. It regulates body temperature and stores water, fat, and vitamin D. weighing about 6 pounds, the skin is the body's largest organ. It is made up of two main layers; the outer epidermis and the inner dermis.

Sleep
The body's rest cycle.

Slip
The term used when a Lap-Band moves out of position. Symptoms can be mild such as heartburn, or can be severe such as abdominal pain and the inability to tolerate even liquids.

Small Bowel
Another name for the small intestine.

Sodium
The major positive ion (cation) in fluid outside of cells. The chemical notation for sodium is Na+. When combined with chloride, the resulting substance is table salt.

Stoma
Short for Anastomosis. The Stoma in a gastric bypass refers to the opening between the stomach and the intestine. The stoma is purposely made small

Strain
1. an injury to a tendon or muscle resulting from overuse or trauma. 2. A hereditary tendency that originated from a common ancestor. 3. To exert maximum effort. 4. To filter.

Stricture
Generally used in bariatric surgery to refer to a narrowing of the stoma. Stricture can also refer to a narrowing anywhere along the intestine. These generally occur weeks to months after the operation and may need to be dilated back to the optimal size using endoscopy, or may require a re-operation to correct.

Sucrose
A crystalline form of fructose and glucose found in many plants and extracted as ordinary table sugar.

Superior
In anatomy, above or over top of. As opposed to inferior. The heart is superior to the stomach. The superior surface of the tongue rests against the palate.

Syndrome
A set of signs and symptoms that tend to occur together and which reflect the presence of a particular disease or an increased chance of developing a particular disease.

Synthesis
Putting together different entities to make a whole which is new and different. In biochemistry, synthesis refers specifically to the process of building compounds from more elementary substances by means of one or more chemical reactions.

Systemic
Affecting the entire body. A systemic disease such as diabetes can affect the whole body. Systemic chemotherapy employs drugs that travel through the bloodstream and reach and affect cells all over the body.

Taste
Taste belongs to our chemical sensing system, or the chemosenses. The complicated process of tasting begins when molecules released by the substances stimulate special cells in the mouth or throat. These special sensory cells transmit messages through nerves to the brain where specific tastes are identified.

Tenuate
An Appetite Suppressant that works by stimulating the central nervous system, increasing heart rate and blood pressure and decreasing your appetite.