Severe obesity is a chronic condition that is difficult to treat through diet and exercise alone. Gastric bypass surgery (commonly referred to as stomach stapling) is one of the top options for people who are severely obese and cannot lose weight by traditional means or who suffer from serious obesity-related health problems. Gastic bypass surgery promotes weight loss by restricting food intake and, in some operations, interrupting the digestive process.

As in other treatments for obesity, the best results with gastric bypass surgery are achieved with healthy eating behaviors and regular physical activity.