Bariatric surgery, referred to as weight loss surgery, is the procedure for weight loss for people who are severely obese. When fat reduction methods such as diet management and physical exercise, are not effective, bariatric surgery is the best substitute to lose and manage weight in a planned manner.
Bariatric surgical procedures cause weight loss by restricting the amount of food the stomach can hold, causing a combination of both gastric restriction and malabsorption. Bariatric procedures often results in hormonal changes. The most common bariatric surgery procedures are gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, adjustable gastric band, and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. Each surgery has its own advantages and disadvantages. Most weight loss surgeries today are performed using minimally invasive techniques (laparoscopic surgery).