Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG)
An older restrictive stomach-stapling operation now largely replaced by sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass.
Plain English
Patient-Friendly Explanation
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.
Medical
Clinical Definition
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 VBG has largely been superseded by sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass because of higher long-term complication and revision rates.
Key Insight
Why It Matters
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.
Sources
Reviewed against standard medical references.
Medically reviewed by
Family Physician & Registered Acupuncturist, Accord Medical Clinic. MBBS (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Acupuncture (Singapore College of TCM).
Last reviewed: August 2026
This page is general health education, not medical advice. Whether any treatment is appropriate for you is a decision made in consultation after assessment.
