Gastric Bypass. An established operation that has been used to treat obesity for more than 40 years, the gastric bypass entails creating a small stomach pouch and bypassing three to five feet of intestine. Obese patients typically lose 50-75 percent of their excess weight. Type 2 diabetes is resolved in 80 percent of patients.

Gastric Balloons. Gastric balloons (also called intragastric or stomach balloons) are temporary, removable devices that are placed in the stomach by endoscopy (through the mouth) and can remain for up to six months. Patients with a BMI above 30 are eligible for gastric balloons. Balloons help to achieve weight loss by taking up space in the stomach, thereby restricting food intake.