Vertical Banded Gastroplasty - VBG

What are the differences between Vertical Banded Gastroplasty and Adjustable Gastric Binding?

Vertical Banded Gastroplasty is a non-adjustable form of bariatric surgery that is performed to decrease the size of the stomach. During a Vertical Banded Gastroplasty procedure, the upper stomach near the oesophagus is stapled vertically to create a smaller stomach pouch. By decreasing the size of the stomach patients begin to take in less food so that natural weight loss occurs.

Additionally, the smaller size of the stomach following Vertical Gastroplasty aids patients in their weight loss goals by providing a sense of fullness after they have consumed smaller portions of food than before undergoing Vertical Gastroplasty. Studies have shown that severely obese people many times have genetic factors that are responsible for increased appetite. By improving a person’s ability to feel full, Vertical Gastroplasty addresses this critical factor of treating severe obesity.

In Vertical Banding Gastroplasty, the outlet from the stomach pouch is restricted by a ring or band that slows the emptying of the food. This portion of a Vertical Banding Gastroplasty procedure is especially effective in creating a feeling of fullness for those being treated for severe obesity.

Where Vertical Banded Gastroplasty is a non-adjustable bariatric surgery procedure, Adjustable Gastric Binding is adjustable so that patients can choose to make their stomach pouches either larger or smaller without having to undergo further surgery. As opposed to Vertical Gastroplasty alterations, Adjustable Gastric Binding adjustments can be performed in office with no sedation.

As opposed to Vertical Gastroplasty, Adjustable Gastric Binding accomplishes stomach restriction and slowing the emptying of food with one band. By restricting the number of operative sites as well as avoiding the use of surgical staples, Adjustable Gastric Binding has been shown to produce better long term effects for bariatric surgery patients.

Although laparoscopic Vertical Banding Gastroplasty procedures have been developed to decrease complication and infection rates, patients that receive Vertical Gastroplasty are significantly more likely to undergo re-operation than those that opt for Adjustable Gastric Binding. The main reason for this is that in Vertical Gastroplasty, surgical staples are used to restrict useable volume of the stomach. Unfortunately, staples have been shown to perforate the stomach lining in some patients, making corrective surgery necessary.

The rate of necessary re-intervention in patients that underwent Vertical Banded Gastroplasty is about double those that received Adjustable Gastric Binding. These statistics are worth serious consideration when deciding whether Vertical Banded Gastroplasty is the right type of bariatric surgery for you. Only qualified bariatric medical professionals can help you weigh the benefits and disadvantages of each type of weight loss surgery.