Question:
Can you have two weight loss surgeries?

I had a vertical banded gastroplasty in 2003. I lost 140 lbs. and became pregnant in 2004. I've had no luck in losing anymore weight, in fact I've gained 60 lbs. back and haven't been able to shake it. Is it possible to have a Lapband done even though I've had a VBG previously? Thank you so much in advance for any answers    — AReneeB (posted on January 15, 2007)

January 15, 2007
Ive never heard of this happening, but theres allways a chance that theres someone who will be willing to work with you. You should ask a doctor.
   — lizzieleprechaun

January 15, 2007
I know of a handful of people who have had "revisions" ~ a second GBS. I don't know any of the details, but I don't think it's impossible. Hope you find some answers. Best to you.
   — christi_in_VA

January 15, 2007
If you've had the vertical gastric sleeving it originally was designed to be a 2 step procedure. First step being the sleeving then after some weight loss it can be revised to a full gastic bypass. The studies they are doing indicate the newer revised sleeving they are doing lately has a small enough pouch that with lifestyle changes the second process is not needed but it is still possible to do if enough weight loss doesn't occur. At least that's what all my internet research and my doctor has told me. I am 6 days post-op from the sleeving procedure.
   — Brandt Brantley

January 16, 2007
Brandt, the poster of the question apparently had the traditional vertical banded gastroplasty, or VBG, in which a non-adjustable band is placed around the top of the stomach--NOT the much more recent vertical gastrectomy (or sleeve gastrectomy or vertical sleeve), in which the majority of the stomach is surgically removed. That newer surgery, the vertical gastrectomy, is the "top half" of the duodenal switch, and is now being used increasingly as a stand-alone operation. The vertical banded gastroplasty always was a stand-alone operation. Now the VBG has largely been superseded by the adjustable gastric band, or LapBand. I've heard of people who've had the VBG revising to the RNY or to the duodenal switch, but not really to the LapBand. Such revisions would provide the adjustability the VBG does not, but no malabsorption. And any problems one might have had with vomiting, being able to take in lots of calories through sweet liquids, and so on, presumably would continue.
   — Virginia N.

January 16, 2007
Let me clarify: revisions from vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) to LapBand do not provide malabsorption. Revisions from VBG to the RNY or to the duodenal switch DO provide malabsorption.
   — Virginia N.

January 18, 2007
Sadly, revision from VBG to RNY or DS is a daily event around the country. I know that LOTS of them are done here. But not to lapband.
   — vitalady