What is the gastric plication procedure?

The gastric plication, also known as the gastric imbrication, is a new weight loss surgery showing very encouraging results. In this procedure, the stomach is folded over and stitched to itself, shrinking it to a small fraction of its original size. This means that it holds less food, which in turn means fewer calories consumed and successful weight loss for patients who follow the post-operative guidelines provided by the bariatric team.

Unlike the gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy procedures, there is no cutting or stapling of the stomach in the gastric plication. Unlike the lap-band, there are no adjustments or needles required as part of the post-op follow up and support regime. For these reasons, the gastric plication may provide a viable alternative to patients looking for an effective weight loss procedure.

How is gastric plication surgery performed?

Dr. Anish Nagpal and the team perform gastric plication surgery using laparoscopy. This means that instead of making a large abdominal incision, the surgeon makes small incisions, through which he inserts a camera and specially designed instruments. These instruments allow the surgeon to perform operations very precisely while causing much less trauma to the patient’s body. Laparoscopic technique allows for quicker recovery, low chance of surgical complications, and less patient discomfort. The operation can take about an hour if performed by an experienced surgeon.

The end result functions much like a sleeve gastrectomy. However, unlike the gastric sleeve, gastric plication surgery may be reversible because no part of the stomach is removed. In this way, it is as flexible as a stomach band, or lap band, while retaining the function of the gastric sleeve.

Gastric plication costs involved.

The cost involved in minimum as compared to other bariatric surgery procedures as no staplers are required and no cutting of the tissue is involved.

Recovery time after having gastric plication surgery.

Recovery after the gastric plication procedure is similar to the gastric sleeve. Patients will usually go home in one to two days, and can be back to work in a week or so. For a few days, the body may not be used to the modification, so discomfort or nausea may occur.

Dieting after gastric plication surgery.

Your surgeon will specify what restrictions apply to eating and drinking before surgery. After the operation, you will gradually transition to eating normally, beginning with liquids and progressing gradually to solid food. As part of our preoperative educational process, both our nurse and our nutritionist will provide you with in depth information and resources to help you through this process.