Laparoscopic Vertical Banded Gastroplasty

The Laparoscopic Vertical Banded Gastroplasty is a purely restrictive procedure compared with the gastric bypass that is restrictive and malabsorptive. This procedure will limit the amount of food that a person can ingest at any given time that will result in decreased calorie intake therefore leading to subsequent weight loss. The upper part of the stomach is stapled vertically and divided completely from the normal stomach to create a small one-ounce pouch. The staples are made of titanium. A new generation of lightweight macroporous, soft polypropylene mesh is placed at the lower end of the pouch. This acts to fix the size of the outlet of the pouch and prevent it from stretching. This slows the emptying of food and creates a feeling of fullness. Digestion occurs naturally. There is no surgery performed on the small intestine.

Currently, Dr. Elmer Valin is the only surgeon in the State of Connecticut performing this specialized procedure.

Advantages:
- Laparoscopic approach
- Faster recover time
- Less pain than RNY
- Decreased risk of hernia
- Digestion occurs naturally
- Less risk of micronutrient or
  protein deficiencies
- No dumping
- No frequent band adjustments

Potential Complications:
- Peritonitis
- Band erosion
- Stenosis
- Blood clot to the lungs or legs
- Wound infection
- Ulceration of the pouch

Hospitalization: The hospitalization for the Vertical Banded Gastroplasty is overnight.

Patients are walking the same day as their surgery. Most patients return back to work in one to two weeks time.