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 operation usually rewires the digestive system in a way that reduces the size of the stomach, making the patient feel fuller after consuming less food. By creating a smaller stomach pouch, the procedure not only limits food intake but also alters hormonal signals related to hunger and satiety, which can help reduce overall appetite.

In gastric bypass surgery, a small pouch is formed from the upper part of the stomach and a section of the small intestine is connected to this pouch. This is crucial for achieving significant weight loss as it results in reduced caloric intake and changes in how food is digested and absorbed.

Understanding the focus of this surgical procedure underscores its role as a weight loss intervention due to the physical and hormonal changes it brings about, thereby highlighting its appropriateness as the correct answer in this context.