A History of Bariatric Surgery: The Maturation of a Medical Discipline

Abstract

This article examines the progression of bariatric surgery since its creation more than 60 years ago with a focus on the effect of surgery on weight loss, comorbidity reduction, and safety. The success has been remarkable. It is possible to cure severe obesity, type 2 diabetes, and hyperlipidemia in addition to the many other manifestations of the metabolic syndrome with remarkable safety. Equally important are the opportunities for research afforded by the surgery and its outcomes. Until better treatments become available, bariatric surgery is the therapy of choice for patients with morbid obesity for weight control and comorbidity improvement.

Keywords: Bariatric; Gastric balloon; Gastric band; Gastric bypass; Gastric sleeve; Intestinal bypass; Metabolic surgery; Obesity.