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Vertical Banded Gastroplasty—Laparoscopic Surgery

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Procedure

Vertical Banded Gastroplasty—Laparoscopic Surgery

(Stomach Stapling; Bariatric Surgery; Weight-Reduction Surgery)

Definition

Vertical banded gastroplasty, also called stomach stapling, is surgery to divide the stomach into two parts.

There are many types of weight loss surgery. This option is not done as often, but still may be used on some people.

The Stomach.

This surgery involves re-shaping the stomach to reduce the amount of food it can hold.

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Reasons for Procedure

This surgery is done to make the size of the stomach smaller. This will make a person feel full quickly. It will promote weight loss in people who are severely obese. It is done when other methods have not been helpful.

In addition to helping a person lose weight, this surgery may also:

  • Improve physical function
  • Lower high blood pressure
  • Lower blood glucose levels
  • Lower cholesterol levels
  • Lower the risk of heart disease
  • Reduce sleep apnea

Possible Complications

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:

  • Excess bleeding
  • Problems from anesthesia, such as wheezing or sore throat
  • Infection
  • Blood clots
  • Lasting nausea and vomiting
  • Breakdown of the staples, allowing stomach fluids to leak into the abdomen
  • Slipping or wearing away of the band
  • Enlargement of the pouch
  • Acid reflux
  • Gallstones
  • Hernia
  • Heart attack

Things that may raise the risk of problems are:

  • Smoking
  • Drinking alcohol
  • Chronic diseases, such as diabetes

What to Expect

Problems to Look Out For

Call the doctor if you are not getting better or you have:

  • Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
  • Redness, swelling, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the incision
  • Pain that you cannot control with medicine
  • Pain and swelling in your feet, calves, or legs
  • Lasting nausea or vomiting
  • Blood in your stool
  • Pain, burning, urgency or frequency of urination, or persistent bleeding in the urine
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • New or worsening symptoms

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

RESOURCES:

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References

  • Bariatric surgery. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/nutritional-disorders/obesity-and-the-metabolic-syndrome/bariatric-surgery.
  • Bariatric surgery in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/procedure/bariatric-surgery-in-adults.
  • Weight-loss (bariatric) surgery. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/bariatric-surgery.

Contributors

  • Marcin Chwistek, MD
Last Updated:
2023-01-23

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.