The correct term for the branch of medicine that deals with weight loss is baraitrics. It deals with the medical and surgical treatment of obesity. The specialists who perform weight loss surgery are known as bariatric surgeons.

There are numerous surgical procedures that can be used in the treatment of obesity. For example adjustable gastric banding. This is a form of weight loss surgery (bariatrics) designed for obesity patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater. It employs an inflatable silicone band which is implanted around the top portion of a person's stomach via laparoscopic surgery. The implanted device creates a small pouch at the top of the stomach which fills up quickly and restricts the movement of the food into the bottom part of the stomach. This restriction creates a feeling of fullness which helps the person to eat less and therefore lose weight.

All bariatric surgery carries with it inherent risks and should be carefully considered before hand.