treatment

Gastric plication, also known as laparoscopic gastric plication or stomach folding, is a weight-loss surgery that involves reducing the stomach's volume by folding the stomach wall inward and stitching it. This procedure restricts the amount of food the stomach can hold, promoting weight loss by limiting food intake and making patients feel full sooner.

What to Expect:

1. Initial Evaluation:
   • Medical History and Physical Examination: A thorough assessment of the patient’s medical history, including previous weight-loss attempts, eating habits, and overall health.
   • Diagnostic Tests: Pre-operative evaluations may include blood tests, imaging studies, and an endoscopy to assess the stomach's condition.
   • Nutritional and Psychological Assessment: Counseling to ensure the patient is prepared for the lifestyle changes required post-surgery.
2. Treatment Plan:
   • Surgical Approach: Gastric plication is performed laparoscopically, using small incisions and a camera to guide the surgeon.
   • Procedure Details:
     • The stomach is folded inward along its greater curvature.
     • Rows of sutures are placed to secure the folds, effectively reducing the stomach's volume by approximately 70%.
     • No cutting, stapling, or removal of stomach tissue is involved, preserving the natural anatomy of the stomach.
   • Anesthesia: The procedure is performed under general anesthesia.
3. Surgical Procedure:
   • Duration: The surgery typically takes 1-2 hours.
   • Hospital Stay: Most patients stay in the hospital for 1-2 days for monitoring and initial recovery.
4. Post-Treatment Care and Recovery:
   • Immediate Aftercare: Patients may experience some pain and discomfort, which can be managed with medication. They will be monitored for any complications, such as bleeding or infection.
   • Dietary Progression:
     • Initially, patients will be on a liquid diet, gradually progressing to pureed foods, soft foods, and eventually solid foods over several weeks.
     • Long-term dietary guidelines will focus on portion control, balanced nutrition, and avoiding high-calorie, high-fat foods.
   • Physical Activity: Patients are encouraged to gradually increase physical activity as tolerated to support weight loss and overall health.
   • Follow-Up Visits: Regular follow-up appointments to monitor weight loss progress, nutritional intake, and overall health.

What to Consider:

• Eligibility: Ideal candidates for gastric plication are typically individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher who have not achieved significant weight loss through diet, exercise, or medication.
• Risks and Complications: While generally safe, potential risks include infection, bleeding, nausea, vomiting, gastric leaks, and the possibility of the stomach folds loosening over time.
• Realistic Expectations: Patients should have realistic expectations regarding weight loss. While significant weight loss is common, the success of the procedure also depends on adherence to dietary guidelines and lifestyle changes.
• Reversibility: One advantage of gastric plication is that it is theoretically reversible, though this may require another surgical procedure.

Other Information:

Gastric plication is less invasive than other bariatric surgeries like gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, as it involves no cutting or removal of the stomach. This typically results in fewer complications and a faster recovery time. However, long-term data on the efficacy and durability of the procedure is still evolving.