Obesity surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is a medical procedure designed to help individuals who are severely overweight or obese lose weight. These surgeries are typically considered when other methods of weight loss, such as diet and exercise, have not been successful or when obesity-related health problems are severe.

There are several types of obesity surgery, but they generally work by either restricting the amount of food the stomach can hold, reducing the absorption of nutrients, or a combination of both. Some common types of obesity surgery include:

Gastric bypass: This procedure involves creating a small pouch at the top of the stomach and connecting it directly to the small intestine, bypassing a portion of the stomach and the small intestine. This limits the amount of food you can eat and reduces the absorption of nutrients.

Gastric sleeve surgery: Also known as sleeve gastrectomy, this procedure involves removing a large portion of the stomach, leaving a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach. This restricts the amount of food the stomach can hold and reduces the production of hunger-inducing hormones.

Gastric banding: This involves placing an inflatable band around the upper part of the stomach to create a small pouch. The band can be adjusted to control the amount of food that can pass through the stomach.

Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS): This procedure involves removing a portion of the stomach and rerouting the small intestine to limit both the amount of food you can eat and the absorption of nutrients.

These surgeries are typically reserved for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health problems such as type 2 diabetes or hypertension. While obesity surgery can be highly effective for weight loss, it also carries risks and requires significant lifestyle changes to be successful. It’s important for individuals considering these surgeries to discuss their options thoroughly with a healthcare provider and to understand the potential risks and benefits.