Bariatric surgery is a surgical procedure that is performed on people who are obese or severely overweight. It involves the manipulation of the stomach or intestines to reduce the amount of food that can be consumed or absorbed by the body, thereby helping to reduce weight.

There are several types of bariatric surgery, including:

Gastric bypass surgery – This surgery involves dividing the stomach into two sections and creating a small pouch from the upper part of the stomach. The small intestine is then rerouted to the new stomach pouch, bypassing the rest of the stomach and the first part of the small intestine.

Sleeve gastrectomy – This surgery involves removing a large portion of the stomach, leaving behind a sleeve-shaped stomach that is much smaller in size.

Adjustable gastric banding – This surgery involves placing a band around the upper part of the stomach, creating a small pouch above the band. The band can be adjusted to control the amount of food that can be consumed.

Bariatric surgery is often recommended for people who have a BMI (body mass index) of 40 or more, or a BMI of 35 or more with obesity-related health problems such as diabetes, sleep apnea, or high blood pressure.

Bariatric surgery can result in significant weight loss and can also improve or even resolve many obesity-related health problems. However, it is a major surgical procedure that carries some risks, and it is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with a qualified healthcare professional.