Medical Weight Loss Glossary:
- Glossary of numerous terms pertinent to weight control, nutrition and bariatric surgery.
Aerobic Exercise: Any activity involving large muscles, done for an extended period of time. Aerobic exercise can be done for weight loss, but it also provides cardiovascular benefits. Examples of aerobic exercise include walking, biking, jogging, swimming, aerobic classes and cross-country skiing.
Adjustable Gastric Banding: A surgical procedure in which a band made of special material is placed around the stomach near its upper end, creating a small pouch and a narrow passage into the larger remainder of the stomach. It can be tightened or loosened over time to change the size of the passage.
Adipocytes: The scientific term for Fat Cells, being various types of specialized cells found in adipose tissue used for fat storage. One could perhaps say this it is a rather obese term for Fat Cells.
Adipose: The fat found in Adipose tissue.
Adipose tissue: A specialized type of tissue for storing cellular fat.
Aloe: Herbal product derived from the aloe plant, it is often added to herbal weight loss products. However, it has not been shown to effectively promote permanent weight loss.
Different parts of the aloe plant may be used. Aloe gel may lower blood glucose and keep other medications from being properly absorbed. Aloe leaf lining has more side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, lowering of serum potassium and laxative effects that could be dangerous to individuals not in good health.
Amino acids: The essential building blocks of Proteins, nine of which cannot be manufactured by the body and therefor have to be obtained through food intake.
Anastomosis: The connection formed when sewing together two pieces of stomach and/or intestine. In a gastric bypass there are two anastamoses. The first is the connection between the new stomach pouch and the small intestine, called a "gastro-jejunostomy", and the second is the connection between the small intestine coming from the bypassed stomach and the small intestine coming from the new stomach pouch, called a "jejuno-jejunostomy." Another term for anastamosis is "Stoma."
Anorectic drugs: Pharmaceutical drugs designed as appetite suppressants to reduce calorie intake.
Anorexia Nervosa: A psychophysiological disorder characterized by an abnormal fear of becoming obese and therefor a distorted self-image. This results in an unwillingness to eat leading to severe weight loss. It can also be accompanied by vomiting, excessive exercise and other physiological changes.
Appetite Suppressants: Medications that act upon the brain, "tricking" it into believing that it is not hungry or that it's full.
Aromatherapy: massage is a soothing scented massage using essential oils extracted from plants that are known for their healing properties.
ASBS: The American Society for Bariatric Surgery. http://www.asbs.org
Bariatric: The branch of medicine dealing with the causes, prevention, and treatment of obesity, both pharmacological and surgical.
Binge Eating Disorder: An eating disorder involving uncontrolled eating of large amounts of food but without vomiting or laxative purging.
Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis: A body composition test that works by sending a small electrical signal through the body, enabling the amount of fat, muscle and other lean tissue to be measured.
Body Composition Test: A test used to determine the current percentage of body fat a person has.
Body Mass Index (BMI): Body Mass Index. This index is a measure of weight that accounts for height. The higher the BMI, the greater the percentage of body fat, in general. The calculation for BMI is weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. The BMI is not the most accurate way to estimate obesity - but it is the easiest.
BODY WRAPS stimulate circulation and soothe the skin, and have been used for centuries to draw impurities from the body through sweat. The most common is the herbal wrap in which natural linen sheets, soaked in therapeutic herbs, are wrapped snugly around the body.
Bontril SR: An appetite suppressant that works by stimulating the nervous system.
Bulimia Nervosa: An eating disorder involving episodic binge eating followed by feelings of guilt, depression, and self-condemnation. It also often involves measures to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting, excessive laxatives, dieting, or fasting.
Calories: A unit of measurement for the amount of energy that is released from food upon oxidation by the body. Also the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of water by 1°C at 1 atmosphere pressure.
CALSURG: The Center for Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery. The premiere advanced laparoscopic surgical center in Orange County, California. CALSURG manages The N.E.W. Program of Orange County, the headquarters of The N.E.W. Program, Inc.
Carbohydrates: A group of organic compounds, including sugars, starches and fiber, that is a major source of energy for animals.
Catecholamine: A chemical in the brain that affects mood and appetite.
Cellulite : The dimples and bumps in the skin, usually around the thighs and buttocks, caused when the natural structure of the skin is stretched by Fat cells growing too large.
Center of Excellence: The American Society for Bariatric Surgery and several insurance companies are developing the concept of a Center of Excellence. A Center of Excellence will be required to demonstrate a low complication, a comprehensive program and long-term patient follow-up. This is an attempt to promote quality care in bariatric surgery and curtail "Chop Shops."
Chitosan (KITE-o-san): A dietary supplement made from chitin, a starch found in the skeleton of shrimp, crab and other shellfish. It has not been shown to contribute to permanent weight loss.
Cholesterol: A type of fat that circulates in your blood. It comes from two sources: the body makes its own regardless of what is eaten and from foods containing animal products.
Chromium: This is thought to affect the breakdown of carbohydrates. Several studies have failed to show any benefit in weight loss after taking this drug.
Chop Shop: A hospital or center that focuses mainly on doing the fastest or easiest procedure on the greatest number of patients, often involving surgeons and other specialists with little genuine interest and training in the treatment of obesity. These are programs that are only superficially comprehensive.
Compulsive Overeating: Also known as Binge Eating.
Co-morbidity: Any disease that is associated with, or a result of, another disease. Co-morbidities of obesity include diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol. For a more complete listing, click here.
Didrex: An appetite suppressant that works by stimulating the nervous system.
Diet: The food and drink a person or animal consumes in their normal life, and a regulated eating plan for medical reasons or as a measure to promote weight loss.
Diuretics: A drug that increases the discharge of urine, used to move fluid through the body quickly as a form of purging..
Duodenum: The first 12 centimeters of intestine after the stomach. Bile and pancreatic juices enter from the liver and pancreas into the duodenum. Iron and Calcium is partially absorbed here. This area is bypassed during the Gastric Bypass and during the Duodenal Switch.
Dumping Syndrome: The unpleasant sensation that occurs after eating food that is high in concentrated sugar or simple carbohydrates. This only occurs in patients who have had a Roux-en-Y operation. Symptoms often include lightheadedness, heart palpitations, sweating and diarrhea and last 15 minutes.
Dysphagia: Food sticking in the esophagus after eating. This is abnormal.
EGD: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy. This endoscopic procedure is performed by a gastroenterologist or surgeon by placing a lighted flexible scope into the mouth, down the esophagus, and into the stomach and duodenum. The procedure is generally performed with the patient awake, but lightly sedated.
Endoscopy: The use of a narrow tubular camera and lens to look inside a person. This usually refers to procedures performed by gastroenterologists to look inside the stomach or colon. In general, Endoscopy refers to any procedure where a physician uses a tubular, narrow camera to visualize, or perform procedures, inside the body.
Exercise: A physical or mental activity used as a method of maintaining or improving a level of fitness. An important part of an overall weight loss plan of action.
Fad Diets: Fashionable or Trendy diets that may or may not actually help in reducing weight. These diets should be used with caution and a professional medical opinion sought.
FACIALS provide cleansing, facial massage, and various masks to soothe, hydrate, or balance the skin. We offer several different types of facials, some hydrating, some firming. Ask your spa consultant which one would be best for you.
Fastin: A brand name for Phentermine previously manufactured by Smith Kline Beecham but no longer available.
Fat: Animal tissue containing glycerol and fatty acids. Also used to describe someone who has too much fat and is therefor plump or obese.
FDA: The Food & Drug Administration is the US Federal agency responsible for the regulation of biotechnology food products.
Generic Drug: A drug whose patent has expired thus enabling it to be manufactured by any company. Phentermine is an example of a Generic Drug.
Gastrectomy: Removal of all, or part, of the stomach. The only weight loss operation in which a gastrectomy is performed is a duodenal switch.
Health: The overall condition of an organism at a given time in regard to soundness of body or mind and freedom from disease or abnormality.
Hernia: Any situation where organs or tissue passes through a small opening from the side or position where it belongs to the other side where it doesn.t belong. Usually used to describe a defect in the abdominal muscle that allows abdominal contents to bulge through. An internal hernia is a bulge of intestine through a small, internal opening inside the abdomen. Symptoms are often vague abdominal pain.
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG): Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a peptide hormone produced in pregnancy, that is made by the embryo soon after conception and later by the syncytiotrophoblast (part of the placenta). Its role is to prevent the disintegration of the corpus luteum of the ovary and thereby maintain progesterone production that is critical for a pregnancy in humans. hCG may have additional functions, for instance it is thought that it affects the immune tolerance of the pregnancy. Early pregnancy testing generally is based on the detection or measurement of hCG. Because hCG is produced also by some kinds of tumor, hCG is an important tumor marker, but it is not known whether this production is a contributing cause or an effect of tumorigenesis.
HYDROTHERAPY is the therapeutic use of water. Hydrotherapy services include our body wraps; aqua polish, mud baths, and moor mud hydro massage.
HYDROTHERAPY BATH TUBS are "state of the art" bath equipment that combine water and air jets and an underwater wand to massage tension from muscles and improve circulation. Natural herbal oils, salts, and algae are added to the bath to rejuvenate and relax. This type of tub is used with our Moor Mud Hydro Massage, one of our signature treatments
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
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.
Laparoscopy: The general category of procedures where a laparoscope is used. Click here to read about the advantages of laparoscopic surgery.
LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE stimulates the lymphatic system which is the body's immune system. It promotes the elimination of toxins while it soothes and relaxes, and is an excellent choice for relieving the pain and swelling of sinusitis.
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.
Meridia (sibutramine): A weight loss diet pill that suppresses appetite by inhibiting the re-uptake of applicable hormones.
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.
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
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.
Nutraceutical: A naturally occurring food (Garlic, Soy) or food supplement (Cod Liver Oil) believed to have beneficial effects on human health.
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, 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.
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.
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's age or build. This is usually indicated as having a Body Mass Index higher than 25 but lower than 30.
Phentermine: An appetite suppressant that disrupts the transmission of signals from the neurotransmitters and is used in the management of obesity.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pre-Approval: This term is used when the insurance company has agreed, prior to surgery, to cover the procedure.
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.
Protein: An organic compound that is the "building block" of the human body. Protein builds and maintains muscle tissue.
Pouch: The newly created stomach after bariatric surgery. Usually holds about an ounce of food.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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's diet increases heart disease risk.
Simple Sugars: Single Molecule sugars such as glucose, fructose, and galactose.
Satiety: Lack of Hunger. Satisfaction with the amount of food eaten.
Saturated Fats: Fatty acids that are saturated with Hydrogen atoms, are mainly found in animal tissue, and should be restricted in the diet.
Serotonin: A neurotransmitter found in the brain that affects mood and appetite.
SHIATSU is a full body Japanese healing therapy that helps to relieve pain and stress. A shiatsu Therapist uses fingers, palms, elbows, or knees to apply comfortable sustained pressure to areas of muscle tension to generate a deep sense of harmony and relaxation. Unlike other types of massage, Shiatsu is performed through loose comfortable clothing..
Sibutramine: A common prescription appetite suppressant, it is sold under the brand name Meridia.
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.
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 - about 1.0 to 1.5 cm in diameter.
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.
SWEDISH A Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) uses a personalized blend of pure plant and flower extracts to massage away pain, increase joint mobility and deeply relax specific areas of tension Swedish massage is likely the most well known massage..
Tenuate: An Appetite Suppressant that works by stimulating the central nervous system, increasing heart rate and blood pressure and decreasing your appetite.
Upper GI: An X-Ray test where a solution is swallowed and x-rays are taken showing the way that the solution outlines the esophagus, stomach and intestine. Sometimes known as a "barium swallow." Your surgeon may order this study after your operation to get an x-ray look at the post-operative anatomy.
Vertical-Banded Gastroplasty: A restrictive operation in which a band and staples are used to create a small stomach pouch.
Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD): A short-term weight loss diet, VLCDs are commercially prepared formulas of 800 calories or less that replace all usual food intake. Not all VLCD need be formulas; they could just be low calorie meal plans. These diets (in fact most diets less than 1000 calories) are low in essential nutrients and require vitamin/mineral supplementation.
VICHY SHOWER is a light waterfall of rain that is used in combination with many of our body treatments including the mud bath, aqua polish and our Moor Mud Hydro Massage.
Weight Cycling: The repeated loss and regain of body weight. When weight cycling is the result of dieting, it is often called "yo-yo" dieting.
Xenical (Orlistat): A Diet Drug that works in the digestive system by blocking about one-third of the fat you eat from being digested.
Yerba Mate: Also known as Paraguay tea, this strong central nervous system stimulant is often sold as a dietary supplement. It has not been proven to cause weight loss.
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