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Glossary

Abdominalplasty
Tummy Tuck: tightening of the abdominal muscles.

Adjustable Gastric Band (AGB)
A device placed laparoscopically around the upper stomach. It can be tightened or loosened in the office, depending on weight loss.

Bariatric
Obesity

Body Mass Index (BMI)
The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat calculated based on height and weight. The scientific standard for calculating BMI is a person’s weight divided by their height (or weight in Kg divided by height in meters squared). We use BMI in all our research.

Co-Morbidities
Associated illnesses

Common Channel
The segment of small bowel where the biliopancreatic secretions mix with food.

Contract Exclusion
The employer opted to not include that benefit in the policy they purchased. Some employers have an appeal process for contract exclusions.

Direct Exclusion
The insurance carrier/company does not offer benefit coverage for that procedure. Some insurance companies have an appeal process for direct exclusions.

Distal Gastric Bypass (DGBP)
Roux gastric bypass with significant malabsorbtion of calories and nutrients.

Duodenal Switch/Biliopancreatic Diversion
A special Roux gastric bypass with significant malabsorbtion of calories and nutrients. Enables patient to eat larger portions.

Exclusion
A non-covered insurance benefit. If this is a problem, we offer a variety of options, including financing.

Follow-up
A patient’s visit scheduled after surgery.

Gastric
Stomach

Gastric Bypass Surgery (GBP)
An operation where a small gastric pouch is created and the remainder of the stomach bypassed (by the food). All gastric bypasses are roux procedures.

Gastric Pouch
Small portion of stomach above the adjustable band.

Group Discussion
This is the initial consultation for a prospective patient. It is presented in a group format.

Laparoscopic
Viewing the internal organs through a small incision using a lighted optic instrument.

Long Medial Gastric Bypass (LMGBP)
Roux gastric bypass with moderate malabsorbtion of calories and nutrients.

Malabsorbtion
Inability to absorb calories/nutriments.

Medical Necessity
Determination made by an insurance company that surgery is necessary to save your life, not necessarily just for your well-being.

Morbid Obesity
Morbid Obesity is a severe form of obesity. A person who is 100 or more pounds overweight is morbidly obese. Morbid obesity affects an estimated 9 million Americans.

Morbid Obesity is considered a serious disease and has been linked to shortened life expectancy.

Obesity
Obesity is most often defined as being 20% or more over ideal body weight. Obesity affects 59% of adults in the USA. Obesity is a common medical condition whereas morbid obesity is a disease. Obesity is not a character flaw. It can have profoundly negative effects on your physical and mental health and unfortunate social consequences, such as discrimination due to your weight.

According to C. Everett Koop, M.D., former Surgeon General of the United States, obesity is the second leading cause of preventable death in America.

Open Procedure
Standard abdominal procedure using a regular incision (not done laparoscopically).

Panniculectomy
Amputation of redundant abdominal skin.

Post-Operative
After surgery

Pre-Operative
Before surgery

Proximal Gastric Bypass (PGBP)
Roux gastric bypass with very little malabsorbtion of calories and nutrients.

Psychological Evaluation
Determination of how well a patient's psyche is functioning.

Reasonable & Customary
Also known as Usual & Customary (UCR). Fees paid by insurance companies are based on their R&C or UCR allowances. For example: an insurance company says they will pay 80%. This means they will pay 80% of their allowed amount. It does not mean they will pay 80% of the total fees. Check with your insurance company regarding the terms of your policy.

Revision
A revisionary procedure of a previous gastric procedure.

Roux
Swiss surgeon whom first performed this type of procedure (Now called the roux-en-y). Upon completion of a roux-en-y procedure the intestine has a “Y” configuration.

Roux Gastric Bypass (RGBP)
An obesity operation in which the small gastric (stoma) pouch is created and the non-pouch part of the stomach gets no food in it (it is bypassed). The intestinal configuration is altered (in varying amounts). Some of the calories and nutrients are not absorbed.

Short Medial Gastric Bypass (SMGBP)
Roux gastric bypass with more malabsorbtion of calories and nutrients than a LMGBP.

Support Group
A group that can offer educational and emotional support for a patient that has had a bariatric/gastric procedure. Various topics will be discussed each month to aid in the patient's success.

Usual & Customary (UCR)
Also known as Reasonable & Customary (R&C). Fees paid by insurance companies are based on their UCR or R&C allowances. For example: an insurance company says they will pay 80%. This means they will pay 80% of their allowed amount. It does not mean they will pay 80% of the total fees. Check with your insurance company regarding the terms of your policy.

Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG)
An obesity operation where a small vertical-oriented gastric pouch is created and the outlet is reinforced with Marlex mesh.