CBR AM key terms

A screening number calculated from weight and height (kg/m²) that classifies weight status. Bariatric programs use it, together with comorbidity severity, to determine whether a patient meets accepted eligibility thresholds for metabolic and bariatric surgery.

A cluster of findings such as central obesity, elevated glucose, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, and raised blood pressure that together signal high cardiometabolic risk. Its presence often strengthens the case for surgical referral and shapes preoperative optimization.

The total number and severity of obesity-related and unrelated conditions a patient carries, such as diabetes, sleep apnea, hypertension, and joint disease. It influences risk stratification, expected benefit, and the intensity of preoperative preparation.

The process of sorting candidates by predicted perioperative and long-term risk using history, physical findings, laboratory data, and functional status. It determines which tests, consultations, and monitoring a patient needs before and after surgery.

Deliberate preparation of a candidate before surgery, including treating anemia, improving glucose control, smoking cessation, physical conditioning, and nutrition education. The goal is to reduce complications and improve readiness for dietary and behavioral change.

Structured exercise, breathing training, and nutritional conditioning undertaken before surgery to build functional reserve. In bariatric care it targets cardiorespiratory fitness, mobility, and tolerance of the postoperative diet and activity plan.

A medically supervised eating plan providing roughly 800 or fewer kilocalories daily, often using formulated products. It may be used before surgery to reduce liver volume and body weight, and requires monitoring for dehydration, electrolyte shifts, and gallstone risk.

Shrinking an enlarged fatty liver before surgery, usually through a short low-calorie or very-low-calorie diet, so the liver is less likely to obstruct exposure during laparoscopy. It is a common preoperative requirement in many programs.

Fat accumulation in the liver, often associated with obesity and insulin resistance, that can enlarge the organ and raise surgical difficulty. Screening and dietary preparation aim to reduce operative risk and long-term liver complications.

A procedure that removes most of the stomach to create a narrow tubular stomach, reducing capacity and altering appetite signals. It is restrictive and hormonal in effect and is not reversible.

A combined restrictive and malabsorptive operation creating a small gastric pouch connected to a jejunal limb, bypassing most of the stomach and proximal small bowel. It produces durable weight loss but requires lifelong micronutrient monitoring and dumping syndrome awareness.

A breakdown at a surgical connection or staple line that allows gastrointestinal contents to escape. It presents with tachycardia, fever, pain, or sepsis and is a surgical emergency requiring prompt evaluation and often reoperation or drainage.

Rapid emptying of concentrated food or sugar into the small intestine, causing sweating, flushing, cramping, diarrhea, and later reactive low blood sugar. It is most common after bypass and is managed by eating small, low-sugar meals slowly.

Low blood glucose occurring a few hours after eating, driven by an exaggerated insulin response to rapid carbohydrate absorption. It causes shakiness, sweating, and hunger and is managed with balanced meals and limiting simple sugars.

Inadequate body stores of vitamins or minerals such as iron, vitamin B12, folate, calcium, and vitamin D after surgery. Risk rises with malabsorption and reduced intake, so lifelong supplementation and periodic laboratory monitoring are standard.

Insufficient protein intake or absorption leading to muscle loss, poor wound healing, hair loss, and fatigue. Prevention relies on protein-first eating, adequate total intake, and early dietitian intervention when intake or albumin falls.

A meal pattern in which the protein portion is eaten before vegetables, starches, or fruit so that limited stomach capacity is used for the most needed nutrient. It supports muscle preservation and satiety after surgery.

Scheduled laboratory and clinical monitoring of vitamin, mineral, protein, and hydration status after surgery, with supplementation adjusted to results. It is a core long-term program responsibility and detects deficiencies before symptoms appear.

Loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength that can accompany rapid weight loss or aging. Programs monitor it because preserving lean mass supports function, metabolic health, and sustained weight maintenance.

An unexplained heart rate above roughly 120 beats per minute in the first days after surgery that may signal leak, bleeding, dehydration, or sepsis before other signs appear. It warrants urgent assessment rather than reassurance.

A blood clot traveling to the lungs, presenting with sudden breathlessness, chest pain, rapid heart rate, or low oxygen. It is a leading cause of postoperative death in obesity surgery, so prophylaxis and rapid evaluation are essential.

Measures to prevent blood clots, including early ambulation, compression devices, and anticoagulant dosing adjusted for weight and kidney function. Duration and intensity depend on procedure and individual clot risk.

Bowel slipping through an abnormal opening or mesenteric defect after surgery, which can obstruct or strangulate. It may present with intermittent severe abdominal pain and vomiting and often requires urgent imaging and surgical repair.

Blockage of intestinal flow causing cramping pain, vomiting, bloating, and inability to pass gas or stool. After bariatric surgery it can result from adhesions, hernia, stricture, or internal hernia and needs prompt evaluation.

Narrowing of a surgical connection that causes progressive difficulty swallowing solid food, regurgitation, and vomiting. It is often treated with endoscopic dilation and requires evaluation to exclude other causes of dysphagia.

Assessment of swallowing difficulty after surgery, considering stricture, food impaction, eating too fast, and inadequate chewing. Evaluation guides dietary texture changes, behavioral coaching, and referral for endoscopic or imaging studies.

An ulcer near the surgical connection between stomach pouch and small bowel, linked to acid, smoking, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or local ischemia. It causes pain, nausea, and sometimes bleeding and requires medication review and endoscopic assessment.

Planned visits at defined intervals after surgery to review weight, diet, supplements, laboratory results, activity, and psychosocial status. Consistent attendance is associated with better weight outcomes and fewer deficiency and complication problems.

Partial return of lost weight months or years after surgery, often from dietary drift, grazing, reduced activity, or inadequate follow-up. It is addressed with structured reassessment, behavioral support, and sometimes revisional evaluation.

A second operation to correct a complication, reverse a procedure, or convert to a different operation for inadequate weight loss or regain. It carries higher risk and requires careful evaluation of anatomy, nutrition, and behavior.

Frequent small eating episodes across the day rather than planned meals, which can undermine satiety and lead to weight regain. It is identified in dietary assessment and addressed with structured meal timing and behavioral strategies.

Paying attention to hunger, fullness, and food choices while eating slowly and without distraction. It helps patients recognize pouch fullness, reduce overeating, and manage eating triggers after surgery.

Recurrent episodes of eating large amounts with a sense of loss of control, without regular purging, causing distress. It must be identified and treated before or alongside surgery because it affects outcomes and requires psychological support.

A structured pre-surgical assessment of eating behavior, mood, substance use, support, and expectations to identify risks and plan support. It is not a pass-fail test but a way to tailor care and improve readiness.

A treatment approach that helps patients re-engage in meaningful, rewarding activities to lift mood and reduce avoidance. It is used for depression and low motivation that can interfere with diet, activity, and follow-up adherence.

Improvement in blood glucose after surgery to near-normal levels without glucose-lowering medication for a sustained period. Remission is more likely with shorter diabetes duration, better beta-cell function, and good adherence to follow-up.

Gradual increase in walking, strength, and aerobic activity after surgery, starting with short frequent sessions and building toward regular moderate exercise. It preserves lean mass, supports weight maintenance, and reduces cardiometabolic risk.

External quality requirements covering staffing, facilities, data collection, patient education, and follow-up that a bariatric program must meet. They guide internal audits and demonstrate accountability to patients, payers, and regulators.

Submission of standardized patient data to a national or regional bariatric registry for benchmarking and outcome improvement. It supports tracking of complications, weight outcomes, and follow-up rates against peer programs.

A coordinated group including surgeon, dietitian, nurse, behavioral clinician, and internist or pharmacist who jointly assess and support patients. Shared decision-making and clear role division improve safety, education, and long-term follow-up.