What is the primary purpose of vertical banded gastroplasty?

The primary purpose of vertical banded gastroplasty is to restrict food intake. This surgical procedure involves creating a smaller stomach pouch and using a band to limit the amount of food that can be consumed at one time. By reducing the stomach's capacity, individuals experience a feeling of fullness with smaller portions, which helps in controlling their food consumption. This restriction is a key factor in promoting weight loss for individuals struggling with obesity, as it encourages healthier eating habits and prevents overeating, aligning with the primary goal of the surgery.

Focusing on the other options, improving nutrient absorption is not a direct aim of this procedure, as it primarily alters the stomach's size rather than its ability to absorb nutrients. Eliminating hunger completely is unrealistic with this method, as individuals may still experience hunger but will be limited in how much they can eat at once. Lastly, facilitating gallbladder removal is unrelated to vertical banded gastroplasty, as that procedure targets weight loss rather than addressing gallbladder health.