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Glossary of Terms

A

Term: Allied Health

Definition: A range of healthcare professionals who aren't part of the clinical team. Psychologists, dieticians and nutritionists are examples of allied health staff.

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Term: Abdominoplasty

Definition: Significant weight loss in a short amount of time can result in excess skin in the stomach area. While this may not cause medical problems, it can be uncomfortable and unsightly for the patient.

B

Term: Bariatric

Definition: The medical discipline dedicated to the causes, prevention and treatment of obesity.

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Term: Body Mass Index

Definition: Body mass index is a rough guide to tell if someone is within a healthy weight range. The value is derived by dividing the weight by the square of their height.

G

Term: Gastric

Definition: Anything relating to the stomach.

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Term: Gastric band

Definition: A gastric band, otherwise known as a laparoscopic (or 'lap') band is a silicone device fitted around the top of the stomach. The adjustable band restricts access to the stomach to restrict the amount of food that can be consumed. A gastric band is a surgical treatment for obesity if diet and exercise have failed to improve the health of the patient.

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Term: Gastric sleeve

Definition: A sleeve gastrectomy or gastric sleeve is an irreversible surgical procedure used to treat obesity. Approximately 80% of the stomach is removed laparoscopically leaving a sleeve or tube shape making it impossible for the patient to consume large amounts of food. This is a highly effective method of to achieving fast weight loss when obesity is causing further chronic health conditions.

H

Term: Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) system

Definition: The HPB system is made up of the liver, pancreas, and biliary tract and is responsible for over 3600 bodily functions.

L

Term: Laparoscopic surgery

Definition: Laparoscopic surgery, also known as minimally invasive surgery (MIS) or keyhole surgery is a modern method of surgery where the entry point is through small incisions of approximately 1 cm. Laparoscopic surgery is more precise which improves recovery time achieving much more effective surgical outcomes for the patient.

M

Term: Multidisciplinary

Definition: A multidisciplinary healthcare team involves more than one medical discipline or specialist to approach one patient's medical problem.

O

Term: Obesity

Definition: Obesity is a condition categorised by excessive body weight having a negative impact on the patient's health. Classifying somebody as obese is dependent on many individual factors, but, generally, if body fat is 20% higher than recommended, or if BMI is over 30, you may be considered obese.

P

Term: Private hospital

Definition: A privately-owned healthcare institution.

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Term: Public hospital

Definition: A government-owned healthcare institution.

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Term: Peak Program

Definition: The Peak Program is a unique weight loss program developed by Dr Silverman. Peak focusses on a number of different disciplines including surgery and psychology to treat obesity. The fully supported program consistently achieves successful outcomes by addressing the unique needs of every patient.

R

Term: Robotic surgery

Definition: Robotic surgery is performed laparoscopically with the aid of a computer assistant. Robotic surgery enables a more precise method of operating which reduces tissue tearing leading to a smoother procedure and faster recovery. The surgeon is in complete control of the equipment at all times.