Gastric bypass surgery is performed in an inpatient setting under general anesthesia. During the procedure, the surgeon cuts the stomach and staples it, creating a new and much smaller pouch to hold food. This pouch, which is approximately the size of a golf ball or an egg, bypasses the first section of the small intestine and is attached further down the bowel. In addition to limiting food intake, this technique also helps prevent calorie absorption, expediting the weight loss process.