What surgical procedure involves stapling the stomach to aid in weight loss?

The surgical procedure that involves stapling the stomach to aid in weight loss is gastric bypass. This technique fundamentally alters the digestive system to limit food intake and increase feelings of fullness, thereby helping individuals achieve significant weight loss.

During the procedure, a small pouch is created at the top of the stomach using staples, which restricts the amount of food the stomach can hold. The intestines are then rerouted so that the smaller stomach pouch is connected directly to a section of the small intestine, creating a bypass around the larger part of the stomach and the upper part of the intestines. This not only aids in physical restriction but also influences the hormones that regulate appetite and metabolism.

The other procedures listed do not focus on weight loss. Cholecystectomy involves the removal of the gallbladder, herniorrhaphy is the repair of a hernia, and appendectomy is the removal of the appendix. None of these procedures utilize stapling for weight management purposes. Thus, gastric bypass stands out as the specific surgery that directly targets weight loss through the method of stapling the stomach.