| Step 6: Vertical banded gastroplasty |
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Vertical banded gastroplasty is not currently recommended, although many of these procedures have been done in the past. The procedure uess a restrictive technique to achieve weight loss. The procedure does not change the way your body absorbs and uses nutrients.
During vertical banded gastroplasty, a row of staples and a band are positioned to block off a large portion of the stomach. As a result, a much smaller stomach pouch remains. The small amount of food in the pouch empties slowly through the narrowed, banded outlet from the pouch, so that you feel full longer.
The potential complications of vertical banded gastroplasty
In addition to the usual risks of any surgery involving general anesthesia, the risks specific to vertical banded gastroplasty include:
- Leaking or rupture along the stapled area of the stomach
- Narrowing of the banded outlet from the stomach pouch
- Nausea and vomiting, especially if you overeat or don't chew your food very thoroughly
- Stretching of the stomach pouch: If you continually overeat, you may slowly increase the size of the stomach pouch and gain weight.
- Heartburn and refulx
- Gallstones
If you have had a vertical banded gastroplasty, and have complications of heartburn, pain, nausea, or vomiting, you should meet with a bariatric surgeon who is experienced in revision bariatric surgery. You may be a candidate for revision to a gastric bypass. This surgery can relieve any complications you may be having and maintain your weight loss.
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Reviewed By: John Meilahn, MD, FACS, Director, Bariatric Surgery, Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Previously reviewed by Alan Greene, MD, FAAP, Stanford University School of Medicine; Chief of Future Health, A.D.A.M., Inc (12/21/2006).
