Adjustable Gastric Banding (AGB)
This is the generic term for the banding process.
Addictionology
The study and treatment of addiction.
Aftercare
A general term comprising the ongoing post-surgical fluid adjustments to the band, flouroscopy, and nutritional counseling most patients receive.
Associate of Applied Science in Addictionology (AASA)
The Associates of Science in Addiction Counseling is designed to train individuals with education and the skills to provide diagnosis, assessment, education ,referral and treatment services to clients with alcohol and drug problems as well as other addictions.
Band
The generic term for the actual band used in the AGB process, including both Bioenterics and Obtech (Swedish)bands.
Banding journey
A metaphor to describe the unfolding process of life before and after deciding to “get banded.”
Bandster
A person who has undergone the gastric banding procedure.
Barium swallow
An X-ray test used to define the anatomy of the upper digestive tract. The test involves filling the oesophagus, stomach, and small intestines with a pink (pleasant tasting) liquid material (barium).
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Measures body mass; it has the highest correlation with skinfold thickness or body density. The standard formula for calculating is (Weight in Kilograms) / (Height in Meters Squared).
Fill
A syringe injection of saline into the submuscular port in order to increase the pressure of the band around the stomach. This is the process that allows doctors to adjust the pressure of the band, thus affecting the amount of food patients are able to eat and how quickly their food drops into the lower stoma. Fills are usually first given 6-8 weeks post-op. Most patients find that they need several fills before feeling a significant level of restriction.
Fluroscopy
A video x-ray procedure that makes it possible to see internal organs in motion. As far as banding goes, this involves swallowing a barium liquid and having the doctor or radiologist watch its progress to the lower stoma, to ensure the patient isn’t over-restricted.
Gastric Bypass
A surgical procedure used for treatment of morbid obesity, consisting of the severance of the upper stomach, anastomosis of the small upper pouch of the stomach to the jejunum, and closure of the distal part of the stomach.
Gastric Sleeve
A surgical weight-loss procedure in which the stomach is reduced to about 15% of its original size, by surgical removal of a large portion of the stomach, following the major curve. The open edges are then attached together (often with surgical staples) to form a sleeve or tube with a banana shape. The procedure permanently reduces the size of the stomach. The procedure is performed laparoscopically and is not reversible.
Gastroplasty
Any surgical treatment of the stomach or lower esophagus used to decrease the size of the stomach.
Getting banded
A bandster term for the process of getting an adjustable gastric band
Laparoscopy
A surgical procedure in which a tiny scope is inserted into the abdomen through a small incision(s). This procedure minimizes surgical risk, recovery time and long-term scarring.
Leak
A leak in the band can either be small or dramatic and treatments can range from more frequent fills to removal and replacement of the band. A leak is rarely dangerous, but it can decrease the efficacy of the band.
Liquid diet
An eating plan that only allows only food that can be drawn through a straw. This is prescribed for the first two weeks after surgery. Often patients will go on a liquid diet after getting a fill until they are comfortable with their food going down.
Migration
A more serious, but rare, complication where the band cuts into the wall of the stomach. Often this can be attributed to the band placing too much pressure on the stomach and cutting off circulation in the affected areas. The usual remedy is releasing all pressure on the band to allow the stomach to heal. Removal of the band may also be necessary.
Motility
The ability to move spontaneously. In regards to AGB, it means the ability of the esophagus to push food from the upper pouch through the stoma and into the lower stomach.
Non-Steroid Anti Inflamatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
A large group of anti-inflammatory agents that work by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins. Examples include: ibuprofen, ketoprofen, piroxicam, naproxen, sulindac, aspirin, choline subsalicylate, diflunisal, fenoprofen, indomethacin, meclofenamate salsalate, tolmetin and magnesium salicylate.. These are to be avoided post-operatively as they irritate the gastric walls. We recommend that patients use acetaminophen for fever and pain.
Obtech Swedish Adjustable Gastric Band
The SAGB is very similar to the Bioenterics band, except that it is considered a low-pressure band. This means that it has a greater total volume than the Lap Band, therefore needing more fluid to exert a similar amount of pressure on the stoma.
Patient Facilitator
Our Patient Facilitators are all past patients of Dr. Kuri and have all personally undergone the Lap Band procedure. They are there to support, listen and follow up with you throughout your entire Lap Band journey – even if it’s years after you were banded! They can answer any of your questions and/or concerns, and tell you anything you want to know about the Lap Band.
PB
Productive burping. This is a ‘bandster’ term that refers to the regurgitation that most Bandsters will experience at least once in their Bandster lives when we’ve eaten more or larger pieces than than can be passed through the stoma. Since the food has not been digested, there is no odor, stomach acid, or retching involved but there may be a varying degree of phlegm that accompanies it. PB episodes may last anywhere from 1 minute to two hours, depending on the individual and circumstances. After a PB episode, under most circumstances, it’s best to refrain from eating at that meal and let the stoma rest.
Plateau
A period of time, at least 2 to 4 weeks, whereby a Bandster maintains (instead of losing) weight. It is common for post-op patients who are 4-10 weeks out to experience a plateau before getting their first fill. Many Bandsters take a plateau at any point as a sign that they need to get another fill.
Port
The subtanceous dongle at the end of the tube connected to the band. This is where the surgeon will inject fluid in order to increase pressure on the band. Many people can feel their ports under the skin&especially as they lose weight. The area around the port is often tender for several weeks post-op and can become sore if the surrounding muscle is stretched or worked too vigorously.
Posterior stitch
The surgeon stitches the band around the back of the stomach. This technique reduces slippage rates and is the standard operating procedure for Lap Band insertions.
Pouch
This is the 30ccs “upper stomach” that is created when the band draws the entire stomach into an hourglass shape. This is where your food will go after swallowing, where it will slowly pass through the stoma into the lower stomach and through the digestive tract.
Referred pain
A term used to describe the phenomenon of pain perceived at a site adjacent to or at a distance from the site of an injury’s origin.
Restriction
This is the feeling of being able to eat only small amounts of food. Some Bandsters talk of ‘passive’ restriction when their band is empty, wherein they are able to feel full on less food but where they feel no pain if they overeat. As the band is filled, the tighter the restriction should feel. Many Bandsters report that it takes 2-4 fills before feeling restricted enough to lose weight at an appropriate rate.
Slippage
This is where the band moves down the stomach, often causing significant pain to the patient. Slippage usually occurs if the band is too tight or if the patient frequently ‘challenges’ the band with excessive vomitting.
Stoma
Artificial openings between two cavities or canals. In this case, it is the passage from the upper pouch and the rest of the stomach.
Note: The above glossary is compiled from a variety of sources. Acknowledgements to Layla Rogers for permission to use many of her glossary terms which she compiled from various bandster email lists, the OnHealth Medical Dictionary, and the Inamed and Obtech websites.
