Bariatric surgery is a type of procedure that can be used to achieve significant weight loss in individuals who are very obese (morbidly obese). A thumb-sized stomach pouch is created (using a stapling or banding technique) then the outlet of the pouch is connected directly to the intestine, essentially bypassing the lower stomach. After the surgery, the amount of calories your body can intake is reduced which leads to weight loss.

Physicians in this specialty treat patients suffering from numerous diseases and illnesses, but some of the most common are metabolism, nutrition, obesity, eating disorders, liposuction, lap band laparoscopic, and roux-en-y laparoscopic.

Once properly diagnosed, practitioners can perform numerous procedures on patients including weight management, lap band surgery, and surgical weight loss.

Doctor density varies by specialty and location. Washington, D.C. has 1 practicing bariatric / gastric bypass surgeon in Washington.

According to 2005 Census estimates, Washington, D.C. has a population of 550,521. Of this population, 110,240 are under the age of 18 and 66,591 are at or above the age of 65.