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The term stomach stapling is used loosely as a means of describing the many different forms of weight loss surgeries performed in the bariatric profession. This does not mean that there is not a real stomach stapling procedure though. The stomach stapling procedure is more commonly known as a gastroplasty. In a gastroplasty, gastric staples are utilized as a means to reduce the size of the stomach. This form of surgery was actually developed during the Second World War. These particular procedures actually had a very high failure rate but led to the development of surgeries like the vertical banded gastroplasty and the horizontal gastroplasty. The most common form of stomach stapling used today is commonly called the VBG or vertically banded gastroplasty and was developed in the 1980’s.
When speaking about the various weight loss surgeries currently available one can actually divide these into 3 unique categories. These three categories include the malabsorptive, restrictive as well as a combination of both surgical techniques. The stomach stapling or gastroplasty falls within the restrictive or combination category only as the malabsorptive focuses more on the restriction of the body’s ability to absorb nutrients while the other two forms focus on dividing the stomach into either a bisect or a small egg sized pouch.
The vertically banded gastroplasty or VBG is actually a combination procedure in which the stomach is first bisected and then stapled after which the portion that will be used is then further restricted by the use of a gastric band. These restrictive and combination stomach stapling procedures are not minimally invasive like the Lap-Band procedure and usually accompanies a longer hospital stay and recovery period due to the excessive amounts of trauma caused by the procedure.
Before making any final decision regarding your weight loss surgery it is important to speak with a bariatric surgeon who will assist you in making the right decision concerning the procedure that will be the most beneficial for you. Make sure you know and understand the risks and complications associated with the procedure as this will play an important role in your final weight loss surgery decision. |
