Timeline of bariatric surgery

from malabsorptive techniques to current approaches

Abstract

Objective: Bariatric surgery has established itself as the primary therapeutic approach for treating severe obesity, promoting sustained weight loss and metabolic control after decades of failure with isolated clinical strategies. This narrative review explores the historical evolution of these techniques, from early malabsorptive procedures, such as jejunoileal bypass, to contemporary, safer and more effective approaches, such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. The advent of laparoscopy, followed by the introduction of robotic surgery and endoscopic methods, reinforced the trend toward less invasive interventions, with lower morbidity and faster recovery. Despite these advances, challenges remain, such as the need for prolonged follow-up, nutritional complications, and unequal access to treatment. In this context, analyzing the timeline of bariatric surgery allows us to understand current therapeutic choices and guide the development of even safer and more effective future strategies.