Which of the following best describes the common surgical approach in malabsorptive bariatric surgery?

The best description of the common surgical approach in malabsorptive bariatric surgery is a combination of restriction and malabsorption. This method not only reduces the size of the stomach to limit food intake but also alters the digestive process to decrease nutrient absorption.

In malabsorptive surgeries, such as the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, the stomach is divided into a small pouch that is connected directly to the small intestine, bypassing a portion of the stomach and the upper part of the small intestine. This dual mechanism of action—restricting the amount of food intake and reducing the surface area for nutrient absorption—amplifies weight loss and often leads to improvements in comorbid conditions related to obesity.

This approach is distinct from purely restrictive methods, which focus solely on limiting food intake without affecting how food is absorbed. The other options do not encompass the multifaceted nature of malabsorptive surgery, as they either ignore the malabsorption component or inaccurately describe the surgical changes involved.