Vertical banded gastroplasty surgery

Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG), also known as stomach stapling, is a type of bariatric surgery designed to help with weight loss in individuals suffering from severe obesity. The procedure involves the creation of a small pouch in the stomach, which limits food intake and promotes a feeling of fullness after eating small amounts of food.

Procedure

The Vertical Banded Gastroplasty procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen and uses a special stapling device to create a small pouch at the top of the stomach. A band is then placed around this pouch to prevent it from stretching. This limits the amount of food that can be consumed at one time, leading to weight loss.

Benefits

The primary benefit of Vertical Banded Gastroplasty is significant weight loss. This can lead to improvements in obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea. It can also improve the patient's quality of life and self-esteem.

Risks and Complications

Like all surgical procedures, Vertical Banded Gastroplasty carries some risks. These include infection, bleeding, and complications from anesthesia. There is also the risk of the band eroding into the stomach, which would require additional surgery. Long-term complications can include nutrient deficiencies due to reduced food intake.

Alternatives

There are several alternatives to Vertical Banded Gastroplasty for weight loss, including other types of bariatric surgery such as gastric bypass and gastric sleeve. Non-surgical options include diet and exercise, medication, and lifestyle changes.

See Also

• Bariatric Surgery
• Obesity
• Weight Loss