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Vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG)

In the 1980s, silastic ring vertical banded gastroplasty – "stomach stapling" – was developed. It is designed to reduce the amount of food the stomach will hold.

During vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) surgery, four rows of vertical staples are placed, and a small opening is created by securing a silastic ring near the end of this staple line. This opening allows food to pass normally, but more slowly, from the pouch to the stomach and then on to the intestines.

The digestion and absorption of the food does not change. But the amount of food that one can eat is restricted.

First published: 05/25/2005
Last updated: 11/21/2005

Reviewed by: William Rupp, MD, medical director, Bariatric Surgery Program of United Hospital