GLOSSARY
Weight Loss Surgery Glossary
Weight Loss Surgery Glossary by Letter# A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
- Calorie
- (CAL-or-ee) A unit of energy in food. Foods have carbohydrates, proteins, and/or fats. Some beverages have alcohol. Carbohydrates and proteins have 4 calories per gram. Fat has 9 calories per gram. Alcohol has 7 calories per gram.
- Carbohydrate
- (kar-bow-HY-drate) A major source of energy in the diet. There are two kinds of carbohydrates -- simple carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates: simple carbohydrates are sugars and complex carbohydrates include both starches and fiber. Carbohydrates have 4 calories per gram. They are found naturally in foods such as breads, pasta, cereals, fruits, vegetables, and milk and dairy products. Foods such as sugary cereals, soft drinks, fruit drinks, fruit punch, lemonade, cakes, cookies, pies, ice cream, and candy are very high in sugars.
- Cholesterol
- (ko-LES-te-rol) A fat-like substance that is made by the body and is found naturally in animal foods such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy products. Foods high in cholesterol include organ meats, egg yolks, and dairy fats. Cholesterol is needed to carry out functions such as hormone and vitamin production. Cholesterol is carried through the blood in small units called lipoproteins. There are two types of units that carry cholesterol: low-density lipoproteins and high-density lipoproteins. When cholesterol levels are too high, some of the cholesterol is deposited on the walls of the blood vessels. Over time, the deposits can build up and cause the blood vessels to narrow and blood flow to decrease. The cholesterol in food, like saturated fat, tends to raise blood cholesterol, which increases the risk for heart disease. Total blood cholesterol levels above 240 mg/dl are considered high. Levels between 200 and 239 mg/dl are considered borderline high. Levels under 200 mg/dl are considered desirable.
- Colon
- Another word for large intestine, part of the digestive system.
- Comorbidity
- A medical condition that exists in addition to the primary disease or disorder.
- Contraindication
- A symptom or condition that is a reason for not using a certain treatment or procedure.
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