Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG)

An older weight-loss operation that staples off a small pouch at the top of the stomach and reinforces its outlet with a band. It restricts how much food you can eat at one sitting.

A purely restrictive bariatric procedure in which a vertical staple line partitions a small proximal gastric pouch, and a non-adjustable band or mesh collar reinforces the pouch outlet. It induces weight loss by limiting meal size and slowing emptying. VBG has largely been superseded by sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass because of higher long-term complication and revision rates.

Understanding older procedures such as VBG matters because patients who had them years ago may now present with complications or weight regain. Dr. Joseph Wang can assess prior bariatric surgery and advise on revision options.