Vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) or stomach stapling is a restrictive weight loss surgery. It works by fixing a plastic band or ring at the outlet of the stomach pouch to restrict the amount of food passing into the stomach. It gives the patient a feeling of fullness with a restricted amount of food. VBG reversal is the removal of the plastic band or ring in patients who have experienced post-procedure complications.

What are the VBG complications which necessitate reversal?

The main problem in 88 percent of the patients who experienced complications after Vertical Banded Gastroplasty Surgery was vomiting and nausea, followed by reflux in 65 percent of the cases. 38 percent required endoscopic dilation for strictures while 7 percent experienced upper gastrointestinal bleeding. This was the result of a study conducted between 1993 and 2004 on 27 patients who successfully underwent Reversing Vertical Banded Gastroplasty.

What is this Reversal Procedure?

The surgeon uses upper endoscopy through one or two punctures in the abdomen. The plastic ring is cut so that the patient can eat normally without experiencing any of the symptoms described before. A small tube is left in the stomach which is removed 3 to 4 weeks later during a follow-up clinical appointment.

How Long Does The Reversal Surgery Take?

The type of Bariatric Surgery procedure does not take very long but you might have to spend the night in the hospital. This will depend on your reaction to the surgery.

What Is The Recovery Process After Bariatric Surgery?

No restrictions will be put after surgery on physical activity. However, expect to feel a level of discomfort for some time which will restrict you from over-exerting. You will be alright provided you do not strain yourself to the point where it hurts. You should be able to resume normal activities within a few days or weeks at the most. Any pain should subside quickly though you will be prescribed need-based pain medication. You may also be prescribed anti-reflux medication for some time. The stomach tube inserted after the surgery should be clamped to the skin, cleaned and bandaged. The bandage should be changed at least daily till the tube is removed.

What will be the Recommended Post Bariatric Surgery Diet?

You will be advised to stick to liquids and soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes etc., for the first 3 days. After that you can progressively switch to normal food.

What Post Bariatric Surgery Complications is patient likely to encounter?

The tube might trouble you for a few days with redness and irritation. This will go away once the tube is removed. You might experience bouts of nausea as a reaction to the pain killers.

What are the Post Surgery Precautions?

Post-procedure, you will be able to eat many foods which you were unable to tolerate after the gastroplasty. You have to be conscious about what you eat and exercise portion control to retain your weight.