What is the most commonly performed weight loss surgery?

Sleeve gastrectomy is indeed the most commonly performed weight loss surgery. This procedure involves the removal of a significant portion of the stomach, resulting in a tube-like structure that resembles a sleeve. By reducing the size of the stomach, sleeve gastrectomy limits food intake and affects gut hormones related to hunger and metabolism, leading to substantial weight loss.

The popularity of sleeve gastrectomy has grown due to its effectiveness, relatively lower complication rates compared to some other procedures, and the fact that it is less invasive than surgeries that involve rerouting the intestines. Sleeve gastrectomy also does not require foreign objects like bands, which can shift or cause complications over time. This aspect is particularly appealing to many patients seeking a long-term solution to obesity.

While other surgical options like Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and adjustable gastric banding are also effective, sleeve gastrectomy has gained a wider acceptance and is often the first choice for many healthcare providers when considering surgical intervention for obesity due to its favorable outcomes. Biliopancreatic diversion is less commonly performed due to its complexity and higher risk profile.