Dietary Changes after Vertical Banded Gastroplasty

Background: Gastric restriction surgery relies on obstruction to oral intake by formation of a gastric pouch. Therefore, the therapeutic effect is closely related to intolerance for different types of food, and an ingestion of an unbalanced diet. We investigated dietary changes after VBG and their associations with therapeutic success. Methods: 70 patients (4 men, 66 women, median age 32) with a median preoperative BMI of 44.6 were examined ≥ 3 years after VBG. Weight reduction, nutritional changes (type ofdiet,number of daily meals,amount of food that could be ingested, intolerance for different types of food, frequency of vomiting), satisfaction with results, and willingness to undergo the operation once again were investigated. Results: The average reduction of the BMI was 13, with sufficient weight loss in 80%. 36% were eating a solid, 43% a soft, and 21% a liquid diet. Weight reduction did not depend on the type of diet eaten but on the ingestion of sweets. 93% indicated they could take only small amounts of food. The average number of daily meals was 3. 76% reported an intolerance for some type of food (most often meat, fruit, or vegetable). Vomiting was the most common problem and occurred in 71%. 71% indicated a high level of satisfaction with the results of the operation, and 96% said they would undergo the operation again. Conclusions:The investigation demonstrated successful weight reduction despite dietary changes in 80% of patients after VBG. Weight reduction was not influenced by type of diet but depended on consumption of sweets.