BMI: The acronym for Body Mass Index. BMI is an index
of relating your body’s height and weight and is calculated
by a formula of your weight (in kilograms) divided by your
height (in meters squared). BMI is now being as commonly
used by physicians to determine overall health as are heart
rate and blood pressure.
Bariatrics: The field
of medicine concerned with weight loss.
Bariatric surgery: Any
surgical procedure intended to aid in weight loss.
Body Mass Index: See
BMI, above.
Gastric bypass: A
surgical procedure in which the size of the stomach is
reduced and the small intestine is attached to the “new” smaller stomach pouch, hence “bypassing” the lower part
of the stomach and the upper portion of the small intestine.
This procedure is also referred to as “Roux-en-Y” surgery.
Laparoscopic banding surgery: Laparoscopic banding (or
lap banding) surgery involves the placement of an adjustable
silicone band around the upper part of the stomach, thereby
limiting the amount of food that can be eaten. Periodic
adjustments are made by inflating or deflating the band
by adding or removing saline in the band through a port
in the stomach.
Obesity: Defined
as having a BMI of 30 or above. Morbid obesity is defined
as having a BMI of 40 or over, or being 100 lbs overweight.
Vagus or Vagal Nerves: The vagal nerves begin in the brain
and extend to multiple organs and regions of the digestive
system. Each vagus nerve provides communication between
the brain and the stomach. The vagus nerve appears to play
a significant role in enabling a number of digestive tract
functions, including sensations of hunger and feelings
of fullness.
VBLOC™ Therapy: VBLOC Therapy is delivered by an implantable
device that is currently investigational, meaning it is
being evaluated in a clinical research study for safety
and effectiveness and is not yet available beyond the scope
of investigational use.
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For more information about VBLOC Therapy and the EMPOWER
clinical research study, please call the nurse-staffed
information line at 1-866-291-9146 Monday–Thursday,
7 a.m.–7 p.m.
and Friday, 7 a.m.–6 p.m., CST.
CAUTION: Investigational device. Limited by Federal law
to investigational use.
