Step 6: Vertical banded gastroplasty

Vertical banded gastroplasty uses restrictive techniques 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. This means that you must eat considerably smaller portions. The rate at which food empties from the stomach into the intestine is also slowed, which means that you feel full longer.

As with gastric bypass, vertical banded gastroplasty can be performed using a traditional open technique or through laparoscopic surgery, depending on your circumstances and the decision of your surgeon.

The benefits of vertical banded gastroplasty

• The procedure is a proven, accepted long-term method of weight control tool with established health benefits.
• There is a relatively low rate of complications.
• Roughly 30 - 40% of patients who undergo vertical banded gastroplasty lose 50 percent or more of their excess weight within 3 years after the procedure.
• Many of the serious complications of obesity may resolve or improve after weight loss, including diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, joint pain, and incontinence.
• There are lower rates of nutritional deficiencies compared to some other types of weight loss surgery.

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
• Band slippage or breakdown of the band over time
• Narrowing of the outlet from the stomach into the intestine
• 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 but surely increase the size of the stomach pouch, thus defeating the purpose of having undergone vertical banded gastroplasty in the first place.
• Increased rate of emptying of food from the stomach into the intestine over time
• Gallstones
• Nutritional deficiencies (such as protein and vitamins)
• Excess skin after weight loss

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