Glossary

Bariatrics: A branch of medicine dealing with prevention, control and treatment of obesity. Bariatric surgery refers to all surgery designed to treat obesity.

Body Mass Index (BMI): Is a comparison of weight to height. Your BMI correlates with your body fat. A body mass index over 25 is considered to be overweight and a BMI over 30 is considered obese according to the national Centers for Disease Control.

Click here for a Body Mass Index calculator from the CDC

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: This refers to the most common type of procedure used in gastric bypass surgery (see illustration). It can be performed through traditional open surgery, with an abdominal incision, or for some selected patients, through minimally invasive surgery with several small incisions.

More Information ~ FREE Seminars

Southcoast Hospitals has been designated a Center of Excellence by the American Society for Bariatric Surgery

Free educational seminars are held every month on gastric bypass surgery for morbid obesity.

• First Wednesday of each month
  7 p.m.
  The Cape Codder
  1225 Iyanough Road & Bearse's Way, Hyannis

• Second Tuesday of each month
  6:30 p.m.
  Medical Library on the first floor
  Tobey Hospital
  43 High Street, Wareham

• Third Tuesday of every month
  7:30 p.m.
  Southcoast Center for Women's Health
  300 Faunce Corner Road, North Dartmouth

• Fourth Tuesday of each month
  6:30 p.m.
  Medical Library on the first floor
  Tobey Hospital
  43 High Street, Wareham

Please call 508-295-3900 for further information and to register for the free seminar.

Important Note to Patients

Like any major surgery, major abdominal surgeries such as procedures to treat morbid obesity bring a significant risk of complications. It is important to remember that those afflicted with morbid obesity may have additional elevated serious risks, or co-morbidities, including diabetes, hypertension and severe pulmonary issues, which can cause further complications during this or any surgical procedure. This surgery is only performed after patients participate in a lengthy screening and orientation process that involves their families and all of their existing health care providers, including their primary care physician. Patients are also required to undergo medical counseling and engage in health and lifestyle practices that are designed to reduce co-morbidities to whatever extent possible.

You should always contact your Primary Care Physician to discuss any questions or concerns related to your medical history and options for choice, particularly if you are planning to undergo any surgery or partake in a new medical regimen.