The History and Evolution of Bariatric Surgical Procedures

The search for the ideal weight loss operation began more than 50 years ago. Surgical pioneers developed innovative procedures that initially created malabsorption, then restricted volume intake, and eventually combined both techniques. Variations, alterations, and modifications of these original procedures, combined with intense efforts to follow and document outcomes, have led to the evolution of modern bariatric surgery. More recent research has focused on the hormonal and metabolic effects of these procedures. These discoveries at the cellular level will help develop possible mechanisms of weight loss and comorbidity reduction beyond the traditional explanation of reduced food consumption and malabsorption.