VERTICAL BANDED GASTROPLASTY9 (VBG)

Described by most as the “Gastric Stapling” procedure. The procedure creates a small stomach pouch (30-60 cc) along the inner curve of the stomach and controls the size of the opening of the stomach with a plastic of silastic band. Although no intestine is bypassed, weight loss is not as predictable as with the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass that most surgeons now perform. Most of the time, failure in due to breakdown of the staple line or problems with the band. In addition most patients develop severe influx symptoms and altered eating habits that allow for weight gain several years after the procedure.