Question:
Wondering what the difference is between gastroplasy vs. rny

Can anyone tell me what if any the difference is between Gastroplasty and RNY proximal. Thanks    — [Anonymous] (posted on November 19, 2001)

November 18, 2001
Gastroplasty is a old surgery, very uncommon today. Basically stomach stapling many failed and people got ulcers and regained weight. RNYs are modern reducing the stomach size while introducing malasorbtion, to minimize futher weight regain.
   — bob-haller

November 18, 2001
The <b>VBG</b> is not the <i>old</i> stapling of years ago, don't be confused by the two. Actually, the VBG done now is very effective for losing weight and keeping it off if the person can use the first year to relearn eating habits and eating small amounts, not overfilling the pouch, and chewing well. The chances of staple line disruption with my surgeon, who has done almost 2000 cases since 1978, is less than 1%. (this from his website) &nbsp As well, the risk of ulcers is not as great as some would lead you to believe. I know many VBG's and RNY's who have both kept their weight off and regained. In the long run what we eat is what makes the surgery successful. <p> At one year post I have yet to have a blockage or vomit. I lost all of my excess and then some. I know many like me as well. I urge you not to feed in to the negative VBG mentality. It can be successful, it can be long term, it is healthy because you will not malabsorb needed nutrients and vitamins and minerals. I'm very glad I made the informed choice I did.
   — Jo (Part 2) C.

November 19, 2001
Please note I NEVER said VBG. The true original surgery was called gastroplasty which really isnt a VBG. Its a pure stomach staple with some staples removed. Look on this website for a explnation of the differing surgeries. Although you will likely get the procedure your surgeon prefers....
   — bob-haller

November 19, 2001
Bob, you are correct. I had a staple line disruption and my doctor said even though it was a mechanical problem that he corrected last month, that there was a surgery remarkedly similar to my problem! My rny was not transected and the very top part of the staples had worked out. The pouch was still intact but when I filled it, the liquid/food overflowed into the old (still attached) stomach! I was still losing but slowly. It would've taken me two years to get to goal with that. Thank goodness he "fixed" my surgery by opening me back up and transecting the pouch and restapling it. Now, I can eat about 3 oz at a time compared with eating 1 or even 2 cups then. I guess he was saying it was like a gastroplasty. Thanks for your input, Bob.
   — Marilyn C.