Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, includes several procedures designed to help people with obesity lose weight and improve obesity-related health conditions. These procedures work by limiting how much food the stomach can hold, reducing nutrient absorption, or both. Today, bariatric surgery is considered one of the most effective long-term treatments for severe obesity and related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
Below is a detailed look at the different types of bariatric surgery and how each works.