Today, most weight loss surgeries are performed laparoscopically (minimally invasive surgery). Rather than making a long incision, the surgeon uses a few small incisions through which long, delicate, surgical instruments and a small video camera are inserted into the abdomen. In this manner, the surgeon is able to perform the procedure by viewing the surgery on a video monitor. When surgery is performed laparoscopically, there is less post-operative pain, scarring is minimal and recovery time is reduced.