Historical information · not offered

Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG) in Turkey

A historical stapled-and-banded restrictive operation no longer offered as a primary procedure, but important in revision assessment.

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Procedure snapshot

ApproachHistorical surgery

Anatomical changePermanent anatomical change

Centre statusHistorical information · not offered

Bariatric surgical assessmentDr Kenan Afilitak

Understand the procedure

What is Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG)?

VBG used a vertical staple line to create a small upper stomach pouch and a fixed band or mesh to control the outlet. It did not bypass intestine.

VBG created a small upper stomach pouch using staples and a band. It is no longer a standard primary operation but remains relevant when assessing patients who previously had it.

01Historical surgeryTreatment approach

02Permanent anatomical changePermanence

03Historical information · not offeredClinical status

Previous-procedure assessment

Who should seek specialist review?

BMI alone does not select a treatment. Medical history, metabolic health, reflux, previous procedures, nutrition and capacity for long-term follow-up are considered together.

Not offered as a new primary operation

People with a previous VBG and new symptoms

Weight regain or insufficient weight loss after VBG

Assessment for conversion or revision by an experienced surgeon

Clinical safety:

This is general information. A decision should follow discussion of individual risks, alternatives and the option of no procedure.

Balanced decision

See potential benefits and limitations together.

Potential benefits

Historically avoided intestinal bypass
Created restriction without removing stomach
Past anatomy may be revised in selected cases
Still relevant to understanding older operations

Risks and disadvantages

Staple-line disruption and weight regain
Band erosion or outlet obstruction
Severe reflux, vomiting or swallowing difficulty
Pouch enlargement
Complex revision surgery due to scarring and altered anatomy

Follow-up requirements

Revision planning requires imaging and endoscopy when indicated
Previous operation records are valuable
Nutrition and deficiency review before any conversion
Recovery depends on the selected revision procedure

Step by step

A safe assessment pathway.

The pathway and timing vary with individual medical needs; obtain your written plan before flights or payment.

Collect records

Previous operation report, imaging, endoscopy and medicine list.

Review symptoms

Weight change, pain, vomiting, reflux and nutrition problems.

Define anatomy

Endoscopy, imaging and blood tests when indicated.

Compare options

Monitoring, device care, reversal or modern revision pathways.

Editorial visual of a consultation with Dr Kenan Afilitak

Illustrative consultation scene

Specialist revision assessment

Dr Kenan Afilitak

General Surgery and Bariatric Surgery Specialist Dr Kenan Afilitak works with the multidisciplinary team across bariatric, metabolic and laparoscopic surgical assessment.

The centre has focused on obesity care for more than 22 years. The responsible treating clinician, hospital and aftercare plan should be confirmed in writing before booking.

Surgeon profile +90 546 917 81 97

Bariatric coordinatorMustafa Hekin+90 544 388 28 34 Bariatric dietitianAylin Demir+90 505 459 11 62

Hospital interpreterYaseminCommunication support from admission to discharge

Frequently asked questions

Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG) questions, answered clearly.

What to know about suitability, risk, price, travel and aftercare before booking.

01Is Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG) still performed today?+

Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG) is not offered as a new treatment at Istanbul Obesity Center. This page supports historical understanding and safe referral for people who previously had the operation.

02How did Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG) work?+

VBG used a vertical staple line to create a small upper stomach pouch and a fixed band or mesh to control the outlet. It did not bypass intestine.

03Why is it no longer preferred?+

It has been replaced by safer, better-standardised modern options and is not used as a new primary treatment because of long-term concerns including staple-line disruption and weight regain, band erosion or outlet obstruction, severe reflux, vomiting or swallowing difficulty, pouch enlargement, complex revision surgery due to scarring and altered anatomy.

04What information should I collect if I had this operation?+

Previous operation reports, discharge summaries, recent endoscopy or imaging, current medicines, weight history and present symptoms make specialist assessment safer.

05Is revision surgery always required?+

No. Revision depends on symptoms, anatomy, nutrition, risks and the balance of modern alternatives.

06Which symptoms need urgent medical help?+

Severe or worsening abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, fever, jaundice, collapse, breathlessness or inability to keep fluids down may require urgent assessment.

07How much does revision assessment cost?+

Your anatomy, investigations and required specialists are identified first. Any fee is provided only after a personalised plan and itemised scope are confirmed in writing.

Medical sourcesASMBS — Bariatric surgery procedures NICE — Overweight and obesity management

Free initial assessment

Let’s assess the right approach for you.

Complete the form and our medical coordination team will contact you on WhatsApp. Final suitability is decided only after surgeon review and appropriate testing.

+90 545 133 99 79 info@istanbulobesitycenter.com