Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, is a group of surgical procedures designed to help individuals who are severely overweight or obese achieve significant and sustained weight loss. These surgeries work by altering the digestive system's anatomy, thereby limiting the amount of food a person can eat and/or reducing the body's ability to absorb nutrients. Bariatric surgery is typically considered for individuals who have not been successful in achieving weight loss through other methods like diet, exercise, and medications.