Final answer:
Bariatric surgery, specifically the Roux-en-Y procedure, is a weight loss solution for patients unresponsive to conventional methods, by limiting food intake and nutrient absorption, with a risk of nutritional deficiencies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bariatric surgery is a medical intervention for individuals who have not succeeded with traditional weight loss methods. Among the available procedures is the Roux-en-Y, which is both restrictive and malabsorptive, causing food to bypass the duodenum and the initial part of the jejunum. This modification to the digestive tract dramatically reduces the intake of food and the absorption of nutrients.
Potential candidates for bariatric surgery often have a history of failure with diet and exercise and may be at risk of obesity-related health issues. While the surgery is effective in inducing weight loss, it also comes with a risk for nutritional deficiencies due to the altered digestive process. It's critical that patients considering such surgery are aware of the long-term need for nutritional monitoring and supplementation.