The gastric restrictive procedures are performed in many medical centers. When one attempts to eat, one can consume only a small amount of food without the pouch becoming distended. This generally leads to a feeling of satiety or fullness. If one continues to eat, one will develop nausea, vomiting, or pain, which generally results in termination of eating. Patients must adapt to their new, restricted stomach size and restrict their food intake to prevent these side-effects.
Complications can result from the surgery.
The effectiveness of the surgery is generally good with average weight loss being between 50 and 100 lbs. It is generally common, however, for the body weight to slowly increase after the first or second year. The surgery requires a modified diet to prevent nausea and vomiting and to help prevent other long-term side effects. Long-term changes in eating habits must take place in order for the surgery to be successful. Vertical Banded Gastroplasty, however, is a viable treatment alternative for severely overweight individuals but again, it is not a cure.