Key Terms

The following definitions can give individuals a greater understanding of many terms associated with morbid obesity and surgical weight loss.

bariatric surgery:  Surgery that is performed for the treatment of morbidly obese individuals. This type of surgery is also known as obesity surgery and weight loss surgery.

body mass index (BMI):  A number that is calculated based on an individual's height and weight. A BMI between 18 and 25 is considered normal. A BMI over 25 suggests that the individual is overweight, while 30-39 indicates obesity. A BMI of 40+ suggests severe obesity. Calculate your BMI

comorbidities:  Medical illnesses/diseases that are either caused by or contributed to by morbid obesity. These include diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, and arthritis (to name a few). Presence of these comorbidities lowers the weight threshold for surgical treatment from a BMI of 40+ to 35+.

LAP-BAND^®:  An adjustable plastic band is placed around the upper stomach dividing it into a tiny pouch above the band with the remaining stomach below. More »

gastric bypass:  The most commonly (and often most successful) bariatric operation performed in the United States. The stomach is stapled closed with a tiny remnant of stomach (the pouch) connected to the upper intestine. More »

gastroplasty:  Using staples, the stomach is divided into a small pouch above the staples with the remaining stomach (more than 95%) below. More »

ideal weight:  A concept that relates body weight to health and longevity (length of one's life) developed from life insurance statistics. Ideal weight expressed as BMI is less than 26. Obesity is defined as a BMI of 30-39 while morbid obesity is defined as a BMI greater than 40.

morbid obesity:  A magnitude of obesity that qualifies someone for surgical treatment. Weight criteria are approximately 100 pounds or more over ideal body weight, or a BMI of 40 or higher.

stomach stapling:  A general, generic term that is not used by bariatric surgeons because it tends to be too nonspecific. Many types of bariatric operations involve stapling the stomach.