Vertical banded gastroplasty: It’s quite a mouthful! That’s probably why they started calling it the “stomach staple.” Not only does that hint at the procedure itself, but it’s a lot easier to say and remember!
Whatever we choose to call it, one thing needs to be made perfectly clear: WeightWise does not recommend or perform this procedure.
Vertical banded gastroplasty is an older weight-loss surgical procedure. Generally speaking, it involves the insertion of staples and/or bands that create a small stomach pouch. The result, ideally, is a limit to the amount of solid food one can consume.
Stomach stapling operations are becoming more and more rare, due in no small part to the fact that percent excess weight loss was a mere 20% after 20 years in many patients. This can often be attributed to breakdowns in the staple line.
As we’ve written about before, the shorthand nickname for vertical banded gastroplasty — stomach stapling — is derived from the fact that surgeons use staples to limit the amount of food that can enter the stomach.
WeightWise and Vertical Banded Gastroplasty
WeightWise is not alone in refusing to perform this procedure. Truth is, stomach stapling methods are rarely used today. Doctors and patients have both found that there are more successful and less intrusive weight-loss surgeries that produce better and more consistent results.
Plus, as we continue to practice, develop, and perfect our laparoscopic surgical techniques — and as they become more popular — the need for vertical banded gastroplasty lessens.
With so many excellent options and customizable treatment plans based on patient circumstances, goals, and overall health, there are fewer and fewer reasons for surgeons to recommend a course of action that includes stomach stapling.
This remains the case even for those stomach staple procedures that are performed laparoscopically.
About Surgical Recommendations
Some of the many reasons why we prefer to take a laparoscopic approach to weight-loss surgery instead of vertical banded gastroplasty:
- Smaller incisions
- Faster recovery
- Reduced wound infection rate
- Reduced rate of complications
Our recommendations derive from our experience and our expertise in weight-loss procedures. When we consult with a potential patient, we take everything into account: health and wellness goals, the overall health of that patient, and their willingness to adhere to the standards we set for them post-op.
We know that patients have many choices when it comes to weight-loss surgery, so we want to provide them with as much information as we can so that they may make an informed decision that works best for them and their families.
It’s why we have such a robust selection of bariatric surgeries. These have proven time and time again to provide our patients with the best outcomes that lead to a lifetime of healthy weight maintenance.
Remember: WeightWise does not perform vertical banded gastroplasty (stomach stapling). Please consider getting in touch with our helpful team today to discuss your options. We’re sure you’ll find something that will lead to a successful outcome.
Whether it’s adjustable gastric banding, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, gastric sleeve surgery, or one of our nonsurgical options, we can assist you in conquering your obesity and morbid obesity.
Lose weight, feel great! Remove yourself from the list of patients facing potential heart problems, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and more.
Ten pounds, 50 pounds, 100 pounds … ?
Our bariatric procedures, some of which reduce part of the stomach, create a small pouch, or reroute the small intestine to shorten the digestive tract, can help.
One last note: The sooner you contact WeightWise, the faster you’ll be on the road to recovery and beginning the process of establishing a healthy lifestyle for yourself. Let us help you find the perfect surgery procedure for you.
So get in touch with our friendly and helpful staff so that we may assist you in your weight-loss goals.