The Recharge Clinical Research Study has completed its recruitment and is no longer open to new patients. For more information about VBLOC Therapy, please visit www.enteromedics.com.

Glossary of terms

BMI: The acronym for Body Mass Index. BMI is an index of relating your body’s height and weight and is calculated by a formula of your weight (in kilograms) divided by your height (in meters squared). BMI is now being as commonly used by physicians to determine overall health as are heart rate and blood pressure.

Bariatrics: The field of medicine concerned with weight loss.

Bariatric surgery: Any surgical procedure intended to aid in weight loss.

Body Mass Index: See BMI, above.

Gastric bypass: A surgical procedure in which the size of the stomach is reduced and the rest of the stomach is removed. The small intestine is then attached to the “new” stomach, hence “bypassing” the lower part of the stomach. This procedure is also referred to as “Roux-en-Y” surgery.

Laparoscopic banding surgery: Laparoscopic banding (or lap banding) surgery involves the placement of an adjustable silicone band around the upper part of the stomach, thereby limiting the amount of food that can be eaten. Periodic adjustments are made by inflating or deflating the band by adding or removing saline in the band through a port in the stomach.

Obesity: Defined as having a BMI of 30 or above. Morbid obesity is defined as having a BMI of 40 or over, or being 100 lbs overweight.

Vagus or Vagal Nerves: The vagal nerves begin in the brain and extend to multiple organs and regions of the digestive system. Each vagus nerve provides communication between the brain and the stomach. The vagus nerve appears to play a significant role in enabling a number of digestive tract functions, including sensations of hunger and feelings of fullness.

VBLOC™ Therapy: VBLOC Therapy is delivered by an implantable device that is currently investigational, meaning it is being evaluated in a clinical research study for safety and effectiveness and is not yet available beyond the scope of investigational use.

For more information about VBLOC Therapy and the ReCharge clinical research study, please call the nurse-staffed information line at

CAUTION: Investigational device. Limited by Federal law to investigational use.