Vertical Banded Gastroplasty

Can vertical banded gastroplasty be dangerous or fatal?

The vertical banded gastroplasty again, has a mortality rate, has a morbidity rate that is less than the gastric bypass but higher than the banding procedures that are done now; the laparoscopic band. So it is surgery that can be dangerous. It is just that it is not used very much anymore because of the advancement that we have had with the bands.

What are the chances of gaining weight back after a vertical banded gastroplasty?

With all the bariatric procedures, patients can gain weight back. With the vertical banded gastroplasty, about 50% of them failed over 2, 3, 4, or 5 years. And failure means gaining your weight back. Most of those patients are being converted to gastric bypasses.