The general goal of most bariatric surgery approaches can be described as:

• A. To reduce the total amount of digestion so that food passes through the body without being absorbed.
• B. To reduce the size of the stomach so that people feel full faster, therefore eating less food overall.
• C. To limit the amount of absorption of macronutrients in the digestive tract so that fewer Calories are absorbed.
• D. To increase the time that food spends in the stomach so that people must eat more slowly.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the purpose of bariatric surgery: Bariatric surgery is a medical procedure aimed at helping individuals with severe obesity lose weight by altering the digestive system. The goal is to reduce caloric intake or absorption, leading to weight loss.
2. Analyze the options provided: Carefully read each option to determine which aligns with the primary mechanism of bariatric surgery. Consider whether the option focuses on reducing stomach size, limiting absorption, or altering digestion time.
3. Focus on the stomach's role: Bariatric surgery often involves reducing the size of the stomach (e.g., gastric sleeve or gastric bypass). A smaller stomach leads to earlier satiety, meaning individuals feel full faster and consume less food overall.
4. Consider absorption: Some bariatric procedures, like gastric bypass, also limit the absorption of macronutrients by rerouting part of the digestive tract. This reduces the number of Calories absorbed from food.
5. Eliminate incorrect options: Disregard options that do not align with the mechanisms of bariatric surgery, such as increasing digestion time or allowing food to pass through without absorption. Select the option that best describes the primary goal of reducing stomach size and/or limiting absorption.