Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG)

Vertical Banded Gastroplasty, also known as .stomach stapling., can be completed laparoscopically or through open surgery. According to Surgery.com, VBG has been categorized by the American Medical Association as a .severely dangerous. operation. It usually takes about an hour to complete and is similar in nature to the Adjustable Gastric Banding procedure, except the silicone or polyurethane band cannot be adjusted. This band sections off a pocket of the stomach, about the size of a baseball, for food to enter. Food then goes through a 1 centimeter opening in the center of the band that allows food to slowly 'drop down' into the remaining portion of the stomach, creating the sensation of being full. Since the creation of an adjustable band, VBG has lost its popularity.

It is possible for a vertical banded gastroplasty procedure to be reversed; however it is only recommended when it is causing serious health issues for the patient. To reverse the procedure, the band and staples are removed, and the two sections of the stomach are pieced back together. Additionally, there is occasionally scar tissue around the band and staples, which must also be removed.

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