A

Absorption

Medical Terminology

The process by which nutrients from food are taken up by the intestines and passed into the bloodstream. Bariatric procedures like gastric bypass alter absorption pathways.

Adjustable Gastric Banding (Lap-Band)

Surgical Procedures

A surgical procedure in which an inflatable silicone band is placed around the upper portion of the stomach to create a small pouch, restricting food intake.

Anastomotic Leak

Complications & Risks

A serious surgical complication where the connection (anastomosis) between two sections of the gastrointestinal tract fails to heal properly, causing leakage.

B

Bariatric Surgery

Surgical Procedures

A group of surgical procedures performed on people with obesity to aid in weight loss by modifying the gastrointestinal tract to restrict food intake, reduce nutrient absorption, or both.

BMI (Body Mass Index)

Medical Terminology

A measure of body fat based on height and weight. A BMI of 40+ or 35+ with comorbidities typically qualifies a person for bariatric surgery.

Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS)

Surgical Procedures

A complex bariatric procedure combining a sleeve gastrectomy with intestinal bypass, resulting in significant malabsorption and substantial weight loss.

D

Dumping Syndrome

Complications & Risks

A condition where food moves too quickly from the stomach into the small intestine, causing nausea, cramping, diarrhea, dizziness, and sweating. Common after gastric bypass surgery.

Duodenal Switch

Surgical Procedures

See Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS). A procedure that combines restrictive and malabsorptive techniques for maximum weight loss.

G

Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y)

Surgical Procedures

A procedure that creates a small stomach pouch and connects it directly to the middle portion of the small intestine, bypassing the rest of the stomach and the upper portion of the small intestine.

Gastric Sleeve (Sleeve Gastrectomy)

Surgical Procedures

A surgical procedure in which approximately 80% of the stomach is removed, leaving a tube-shaped stomach about the size of a banana. Currently the most commonly performed bariatric procedure worldwide.

R

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB)

Surgical Procedures

The gold standard of bariatric surgery. A small stomach pouch is created and connected to the jejunum, bypassing the duodenum. Results in both restriction and malabsorption.

Revision Surgery

Surgical Procedures

A secondary bariatric procedure performed to correct or improve the results of a prior weight loss surgery due to inadequate weight loss, weight regain, or complications.

S

Sleeve Gastrectomy

Surgical Procedures

See Gastric Sleeve. A procedure that removes approximately 80% of the stomach along the greater curvature, creating a narrow gastric tube.

Stricture

Complications & Risks

An abnormal narrowing of a passage in the body. After bariatric surgery, strictures can develop at the surgical connection site, causing difficulty swallowing or vomiting.

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