| Term | Definition |
| Adjustable Gastric Banding (AGB) | A procedure where a silicone, inflatable band is placed around the top portion of the stomach creating a small pouch that reduces food consumption. The band is inserted through several small incisions (usually 0.5 to 1.5 centimeters) and does not require stomach stapling or re-routing of the intestines. |
| Body Mass Index (BMI) | BMI is a term that determines your weight relative to your height that is an alternative to measuring a person’s body fat. There are many BMI calculators available online. Your BMI will place you in one of these categories:
>18.5 Underweight,
18.5 to 24.9 Normal Weight,
25 to 29.9 Overweight,
<30 are considered to be obese
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| Co-Insurance | The remaining amount a patient is responsible for if their insurance does not cover 100% of the procedure. For example: If the patient's insurance covered the procedure at 80%, the co-insurance would be 20%. |
| Complication Rate | The percentage of complications versus the total number of surgeries performed. |
| Deductible | The amount a patient needs to pay before the insurance company's coverage plan begins. |
| Gastric Sleeve | Also referred to as sleeve gastrectomy, vertical sleeve gastrectomy, tube gastrectomy and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. The surgeon will remove approximately 85% of the patient’s stomach so that it resembles a tube or sleeve and then the opening is closed using staples. |
| Gout | This condition occurs when elevated blood levels of uric acid form tiny crystals in the tissues and the joints causing inflammation. Gout is considered a chronic disease that can lead to joint destruction and possibly decreased kidney function. |
| Heart Disease | Also referred to as Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), this condition is caused by the clogging or narrowing of the arteries that supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart. |
| High Blood Pressure | A common disorder in which blood pressure remains abnormally high (a reading of 140/90 mm Hg or greater). |
| LAP-BAND System | “LAP-BAND” comes from the word laparoscopy, which is the term used for minimally invasive surgical procedures. The silicone “band” is placed around the upper part of the stomach to help control food intake. |
| Morbid Obesity | A condition in which a patient has a BMI of 40 or greater, generally 100 or more pounds over ideal body weight. |
| Obstructive Sleep Apnea | A serious breathing condition where the soft tissue in the back of your throat relaxes during sleep and blocks the airway. This blockage can cause loud or violent snoring, and the patient to stop breathing sometimes up to 100 times per night. |
| REALIZE Band System | The REALIZE Band is placed around the uppermost part of the stomach, dividing it into two parts: a small upper pouch and a lower stomach. The upper pouch can hold only about 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of food. No part of the stomach is stapled or removed during surgery, and intestines are not rerouted, so nutrients from food can continue being absorbed. |
| Roux en-Y Gastric Bypass | A surgery that creates a small pouch at the top of the stomach using surgical staples. The new stomach area is then connected directly to the middle portion of the small intestine. This procedure can be done through a large incision in the abdomen or laparoscopically using several very small incisions (usually 0.5 to 1.5 centimeters). |
| Type II Diabetes | Occurs when Insulin is unable to take the sugar from the cells causing glucose (sugar) to build up in the body. |