Bariatric surgery refers to any of several different types of weight loss procedures and surgeries. For example, an obesity surgery center might specialize in any of the following types of obesity surgeries:

Lap banding, also known as Laparoscopic Gastric Banding (LAGB), involves a silicone band placed around the entrance to the stomach. Patients might expect a 50 to 75% weight loss of 50 to 90 pounds in about 2 years.

Vertical Banded Gastroplasty is also known as stomach stapling. Surgical staples section off a small portion of the upper part of the stomach. Many individuals who choose this type of procedure are generally able to lose roughly 50% of excess weight within about 2 years.

Sleeve Gastrectomy is performed for those with a body mass index over 50. A major portion of the stomach is removed in this procedure. A person may expect to lose between 30 and 35% of their initial body weight, or roughly 40 pounds in about a year.

Gastric Bypass is a procedure that directly attaches a small portion of the stomach to the small intestine. This is a drastic procedure, but one that enjoys a high success rate. Patients lose between 60 and 70% excess body weight within a year.

Bariatric or obesity surgeries in the U.S. can cost between $17,000 and $30,000. Those traveling to global destinations may enjoy savings of tens of thousands of dollars in such locations as Mexico, South America and India. Accredited, state-of-the-art equipment and technology are making global obesity surgeries popular, common, and affordable in the 21^st century.