What is Gastric Plication Surgery?
Gastric Plication surgery is a laparoscopic technique which is minimally invasive weight-loss procedure whose main aim is reducing the stomach’s size nearly up to three ounces.
With Gastric Plication it is not necessary to use an implanted device (as in Gastric Banding). Moreover, contrary to Gastric Sleeve surgery, Gastric Plication is a reversible procedure as a part of the stomach is not removed. Additionally, Gastric Plication does not require rerouting and reconnecting the intestines like in Gastric Bypass. Also, as it is a restrictive type of weight-loss surgery, which means that it restricts the amount of consumed food the stomach is able to hold. Therefore, you feel full sooner so you do not require to eat much. As Gastric Plication uses laparoscopic techniques, the recovery period is faster and leaves fewer scars than in open surgeries. Usually, you need to stay one or two days in the hospital and generally, you may come back to daily routines 10 days after the surgery yet the recovery time varies and is different in each case.
Why Gastric Plication is a good solution for me
The surgery is usually performed laparoscopically, therefore it only involves small surgical cuts, shorter recovery period and minimalizes the possibility of risks and complications. Gastric Plication is a reversible procedure as sutures which are used to fold the stomach may be removed if needed and the primary capacity of the stomach is restored. After the surgery, the capacity of the stomach in nutrition absorption is still the same. Moreover, in Gastric Plication procedure stomach is not removed, intestines are not rerouted and there are no any other devices used like staples, bands or adjustments. A year after the surgery, patients may notice first weight-loss effects of about 40-70% of the excess weight. Great benefits of the surgery are improving and resolving obesity-related conditions which are hypertension and diabetes.
Who is a good candidate for Gastric Plication
The best candidates for Gastric Plications are those who suffer from obesity or morbid obesity who tried to losing weight through diet and exercises for a longer period of time yet failed. Also, those who deal with obesity-related issues like diabetes or hypertension may also be qualified for the surgery, however, they should not suffer from any medical conditions which may pose a potential danger to the surgery. Most of the candidates for Gastric Plication have a BMI from 30 to 40 which means they are moderately obese. In case a person has a BMI more than 40, a Gastric Plication may not be a good solution and throughout consideration is required prior to the procedure just to ensure that a patient is safe and the surgery will be effective.
Prices of Gastric Plication
Prices of Gastric Plication abroad depend on the clinic’s location. For example, the price for Gastric Plication in the USA is on average from 7 000 GBP to 11 500 GBP, in the UK from 6000 GBP in Poland it begins from 3 000 GBP. However, the price depends on the actual weight of a patient and the desired results.
Preparing for Gastric Plication
The preparation for Gastric Plication should be followed by personal consultation with a surgeon. In the meantime, the most important and general tips for the preparation for the procedure will guide you through the preparation process.
Discuss all medications you receive with the surgeon
It is vital to inform your surgeon about all the medication, vitamins and supplements you take before having the procedure in order to avoid complications. It also vital due to the fact that some medications may interact with medication which is prescribed during and after the procedure. Also, vitamins and some supplements may intensify the risk of bleeding.
Quit smoking
Smoking, using tobacco or other nicotine products should be quited as soon as possible before the surgery and during the whole recovery period. This recommendation is due to the fact that these types of products may pose a risk of having complications after the Gastric Plication
Healthy Diet
Before the surgery, patients should change their eating habits and pay attention to introduce a healthy diet. You should refrain from unhealthy foods like fried ones, sweets and fatty foods. Preferably, start eating fresh fruits and vegetables, food rich with proteins especially from lean meats, nuts or grains. Due to these changes before the surgery, they help a patient to stick to dietary recommendations after the surgery which will greatly influence the weight loss procedure.
Keep track of meals and snacks
Due to the fact that the size of the stomach is reduced after the Gastric Plication, it is of great importance for a patient to stick to dietary restrictions following the surgery. Paying attention to the meals and snacks consumption ( generally three meals and one or two snacks following the surgery) may be of great help for those who need to introduce dietary changes.
Start exercising
For those who did not have a habit of exercising, they should add some physical activities on a daily basis before the surgery. Even a short walk will be a good choice as the exercises do not need to be strenuous. Over time, you can gradually change the intensity of exercises so that your body will adjust to them and also you will avoid injuries.
Do not overeat a few weeks before the surgery
You may be tempted to eat a lot of your favourite before the surgery in the preparation period. It is so vital due to the fact that overeating a few weeks following the surgery may contribute to weight gain and influence the recovery time making it more difficult.
How is Gastric Plication done?
Gastric Plication is a laparoscopic procedure where a large incision is made in the abdomen and next to a surgeon makes small incisions where trochanter is inserted. They are used for holding miniaturized surgical instruments and a camera which is connected to a monitor in the operating room. Thanks to the laparoscopic technique it reduces the risk of complications before and after the procedure.
During the procedure, the surgeon guided by the monitor prepares a fold from the patient’s stomach and connects the ends. The second fold is made over this one and sutured one more time. Due to this, the stomach’s capacity is smaller up to 70%, therefore, a patient feels fuller sooner than usual and eats less food as he used to. Also, it is reported that patients are not as hungry as they were after Gastric Plication.
As Gastric Plication is a reversible procedure it does not involve partial removal of the stomach and rearranging digestive system in a dramatic way (unlike other bariatric surgeries). Moreover, it does not affect the absorption of nutrients as other weight loss surgeries do. Generally, the procedure takes about 40 minutes up to 2 hours and a patient should stay in the hospital only a day or two.
Recovery and diet after the Gastric Plication
After the surgery patients are fully recovered within one month. As Gastric Plication is a restrictive procedure it significantly diminishes the stomach’s size and restricts the amount of food which is consumed during a meal. Moreover, it does not bring about limited absorption of nutrients or it does not bypass the intestines. Even after a small amount of food you ate, you will feel quickly full and this sensation will even last for several hours. Most importantly, Gastric Plication may also lead to a decrease in appetite. Light exercises like walking should be introduced at least a month after the surgery
Life after the surgery
After the period of recovery diet, you will gradually start to add up new products with larger quantity up to about 6 months following the surgery when your bariatric diet comes to an end. Changing and introducing new eating habits is always strongly connected with all bariatric surgeries in order for a procedure to be effective and for you to be fully satisfied. Providing that you keep to the diet and follow exercises introduced by the surgical staff, it is claimed that weight loss and improvement in health after the Gastric Plication may be a lifetime. Nevertheless, in some cases after the Gastric Sleeve, some patients may experience weight gain which results in stomach stretching after some period of time.
Post-surgery nutrition
Following the surgery, a new nutrition plan is introduced by your surgeon or/and dietician and they will definitely explain to you how to accustom to changes in your diet and lifestyle habits you should follow. It is vital to stick to new instructions immediately after the procedure. During the very first few weeks after the surgery, you will be on a liquid diet as only thin liquids may be tolerated by the stomach. During the healing period you will slowly introduce pureed foods ( 3 to 4 weeks following the procedure) and after that soft foods ( 5 weeks after the procedure). In the end, you can eat solid foods yet you need to do it reasonably.
It is suggested to eat only three small meals per day and pay attention to the number of nutrients they contain. Moreover, you need to get used to eating slowly and chewing food very carefully. You should also avoid milkshakes, syrups, jams and pastries as these types of food do not contain a much nutritional value.
Exercise plan
Regular exercises are vital and introducing them into your daily routine significantly increase the positive effects of the surgery. Frequently patients who underwent weight loss surgery resigned from physical exercises due to diminished activity tolerance, psychological issues and in some instances, physical disabilities.
Depending on our fitness abilities, the surgeon may introduce more advanced activities after 30 days. Among them may be swimming or light aerobic exercises and for some patient, water aerobics may be a great option as it does not affect back hips, knees, ankles and it is a perfect cardiovascular activity. Despite the number of exercises you undertake, it is still recommended to keep to low aerobic level exercises.
Gastric Plication side effects
Firstly, it is vital to differentiate between side effects and serious complications. However, side effects are only restricted to small, short-term problems which are resolved quickly. These are yet more frequent than severe complications which so far were proved to be uncommon in Gastric Plication procedure especially in comparison to other weight loss surgeries., The most common complications may be infections, internal bleeding and in the long run malnutrition. Moreover, another frequent side effects of Gastric Plication may include nausea frequently with vomiting. In most cases, these issues may be controlled with medications. Almost in all patients, nausea cedes after one week.
Another frequently experienced side effect of Gastric Plication procedure is an alteration in bowel function which may be followed by diarrhoea or constipation. During the first two weeks after the surgery, a liquid diet is introduced and then a small amount of food of different consistencies is incorporated gradually. After six months patients are allowed to follow a normal diet presented by the surgeon and all problems with bowel function should be tackled.
In comparison to other weight loss surgeries, short-term weight loss after Gastric Plication is usually modest. One major side effect would be a discouragement, therefore, patients should stay optimistic as losing excess weight is a gradual process which required time and dedication.
If you are considering affordable Gastric Plication for weight loss and you want to have cheap Gastric Plication done safely, you need definitely consider Poland as one of the destinations. With highly experienced surgeons and newly equipped hospital, your stay will be comfortable. If you would like to know more information about the procedure, and why Gastric Plication may be a good solution for you, do not hesitate but contact – our customer advisor will be glad to help you with. Like in any other weight-loss surgeries, preparation for Gastric Plication is of great importance in order to achieve the most desirable results. Therefore prior knowledge of the procedure and following the recommendation is vital.
5 reasons why you should have gastric plication done
Gastric plication is a simple procedure
Laparoscopic gastric plication surgery known also as laparoscopic greater curvature plication(LGCP), gastric imbrication or stomach folding, is a type of bariatric surgery from the group of restrictive procedures. Restrictive procedures are shrinking the size of the stomach surgically or take up space inside the stomach (gastric balloon), making people feel more full while they consume a smaller amount of food than they used to. Gastric plication shrinks the size of the stomach into a smaller tube-like shape by a special folding and stitching technique, so the patient’s food income is reduced significantly, as the feeling of fullness after the meal is achieved quickly. After the procedure, the size of the stomach is reduced by about 70 to 75%.
Procedure time varies from 40 minutes and 2 hours to complete. The gastric plication procedure is performed laparoscopically, so to perform the procedure there are only a few small incision made in the lower abdomen to pass the tools. Via five or six tiny incisions a video camera (laparoscope) and long, thin instruments are inserted into the stomach to perform the procedure.
Gastric plication for weight loss eliminates post-op complications associated with adjustable gastric bands – already thought of as obsolete procedure – and vertical sleeve gastrectomy. This procedure is considered safer by creating restriction without the use of implants and without cutting and staples.
Gastric plication is a good solution for people with BMI above 35
If your body mass index (BMI) is bigger than 35 and you have one or more obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnea or high blood pressure, you should consider gastric plication or another bariatric surgery. If your BMI is 40 or more, even without the presence of obesity-related diseases, you are also a good candidate for bariatric surgery.
The best patients for the gastric plication would be individuals who have a history of eating large portions of food. If you are more of a person who loves snacking or grazing on small quantities of food, the plication is not a suitable solution for you. The most successful patients will be the ones who after the procedure will adhere to the diet plan and will choose a healthy diet alongside with an increase in physical activity. To ensure that the weight loss is sustainable and to exclude the possibility of weight re-gain, one must follow the dietary guidelines.
A short time of recovery after the procedure
The recovery time is relatively short and it starts almost immediately after your surgery. Already on the second day after the procedure, you gradually begin to get used to the new way of eating. For the first two weeks, you will have a liquid diet including most likely at first water, milk, fruit juice and sherbet. Then, for the next two weeks you can include thicker liquids such as soup with some vegetables, and eventually, you will start to eat yoghurts and fruits. After those first four weeks, you will be able to eat all foods in small, restricted amounts, which in general is four spoonfuls of food per meal. Majority of surgeons recommend nutritionally dense foods and avoiding carbohydrates and fat.
The greatest advantage of gastric plication is that this method does not cause a decrease in absorption of nutrients or bypass your intestines. Probably you will still need to take vitamins or minerals after the surgery, as your food intake will not be what it used to be, and due to that fact, a shortfall of important nutrients may be caused.
Within one month after the procedure, the patients are usually able to eat all foods in small amounts, i.e. four spoonfuls per meal. Depending on the patient’s’ weight before the operation, patients can expect to lose between 30% to 55% of their excess body weight. However, remember that it is a process and the effects will occur within the first two years after the surgery. What is more, diabetes, high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea and abnormal cholesterol levels are improved significantly amongst more than 75% of patients who undergo this procedure. Although long-term studies are not yet available as the procedure is quite new, the results in improvement in the above mentioned medical conditions in the first year after surgery are quite impressive.
Gastric plication is also low-maintenance compared to other bariatric surgeries. You will have to watch what you eat and how much you eat, but unlike gastric bands, there are no fills required. Moreover, the procedure has no malabsorptive effects and the risk of nutritional deficiencies may not be as great as with other types of bariatric procedures, however, you will probably have to supplement vitamins and minerals as the food intake will be smaller. Gastric plication does not involve rearranging your digestive system permanently like gastric bypass does or implanting a band around the stomach, which usually causes a lot of complications. In addition, this particular surgery can be reversible because a portion of the stomach is not removed, which is impossible in the case of gastric sleeve or bypass.
Gastric plication carries a low risk and complication
Gastric plication carries a relatively low risk of complications after the surgery. Short-term complication rates range from 1% to 9%, and since now there are no deaths reported as a result of the surgery. Also, major complication rates appear to be extremely low at a less than 1%.
Low risk of complications associated with the stomach folding makes it a very safe procedure. The most significant side effects reported so far include nausea and vomiting, which usually last about a week after the surgery and may be controlled with medicines. Other risks that may occur are the standard ones, related to any type of surgery and being under general anaesthesia, as well as separation of stitched areas and leaks from sutured areas, which may require an additional surgery.
Our patients advisors will help you to organise your gastric plication in Poland
Many patients consider gastric plication abroad, as the money is as important as the surgeon’s experience. Poland seems to be a great place for people looking to have affordable gastric plication done, as surgeons in here are experienced and we work with great clinics located in big Polish cities. Thinking about having your procedure done, you should take into account having your gastric plication in Poland and will be delighted to organise the procedure for you.
Gastric plication – FAQ
What is gastric plication?
Gastric plication is a laparoscopic procedure where incisions are made and later on there is a sewing of one or more folds in the stomach. The stomach volume is reduced up to 70%
How much does gastric plication cost?
The price of Gastric plication cost depends on the clinic’s location, therefore, it may start from 4000 Euro to 15 000 Euro.
Can gastric plication be reversed?
Yes, gastric plication may be reversed if required, for example, a patient may have gastric sleeve or bypass.
How long does it take to recover after gastric plication?
Many patients stay one or two days in the hospital after the surgery. The recovery time is shorter than in comparison to other bariatric surgeries and generally, a patient may come back to work after 10 days.
Can gastric plication cause elevated liver enzymes?
In general, gastric plication does not cause elevated liver enzymes.
Can gastric plication cause liver problems?
Generally, bariatric surgeries do not cause liver problems but they can even cure or reverse them.
Can gastric plication patients vomit?
Yes, after gastric plication it is possible to experience vomit yet it is a rare, short-term side effect
Can gastric plication cause cancer? What are the cancer risks?
It highly impossible for gastric plication to cause cancer as there were not any cases confirmed.
Can gastric plication cause Crohn’s disease?
No, gastric plication does not cause Crohn’s disease
Can gastric plication cause thyroid problems?
No, gastric plication does not cause any thyroid problems. On the contrary, it can even help to maintain TSH at a reasonable level
Can gastric plication cause cirrhosis?
No, gastric plication does not cause cirrhosis
Can gastric plication patients take ibuprofen?
Yes, but not on empty stomach.
Can gastric plication cause teeth problems?
Yes, some patients may experience oral health issues after gastric plication, for example, dental erosion increased dental caries or dental hypersensitivity.
Will gastric plication cure diabetes?
Studies have shown that gastric plication is a new restrictive technique for a remission of type 2 diabetes.
Will gastric plication help GERD?
Yes, it may help GERD in some cases and gastric plication looks promising but there are need to be done more studies on this issue
Will gastric plication help PCOS?
The improvement of PCOS after gastric plication is still yet to be investigated, however, it is proved that hirsutism and menstrual irregularities improve after bariatric surgery.
Will gastric plication help diverticulitis?
Gastric Plication might improve the general condition of diverticulitis but Gastric Plication is not a treatment of diverticulitis.
Will gastric plication help gastroparesis?
In case of gastroparesis, gastric plication is not recommended.
Will gastric plication help IBS?
If there is inflammation – Gastric Plication is not recommended. But if there is no inflammation or symptoms of inflammation the surgery can be done and it will improve managing condition of IBS.
Will gastric plication help lymphedema?
Gastric plication in long term will positively affect all diseases (including lymphedema) because of better general health.
Will gastric plication affect pregnancy?
It’s recommended to get pregnant after bariatric surgery and after your weight stabilizes. Pregnancy after weight-loss surgery isn’t an issue. The only concern is getting pregnant in the period of rapid weight loss
Will gastric plication help constipation?
Generally, after any bariatric surgery, you will have a normal bowel movement.
Will gastric plication cause diarrhea?
Yes, it may cause, but this side effect does not last long, it is temporary.
Can I drink alcohol with gastric plication?
It is recommended to refrain from aclohol consumption with gastric plication due to its harmuff effects and in some cases, patients may experience stronger side effects.
Can gastric plication cause candy cane syndrome?
Possibility of candy cane syndrome is very low.
How to stop losing weight after gastric plication?
If you lose too much weight after the surgery, contact your surgeon to discuss all details and possible solution for this issue.
Will I be able to keep food down after gastric plication?
yes, as your stomach will be made smaller, the amount of food you will be able to eat is siginificantly smaller
Is it worth to have gastric plication done?
Gastric plication is one of the safest and effective bariatric surgeries which reduces the stomach volume up to 70% and helps losing weight up to 40-60%.
Is gastric plication safe?
Yes, gastric plication is a safe procedure which does not involve placement of a foreign object to your body and it is a reversible procedure.
Can a hiatal hernia be repaired with Gastric Plication?
Yes, it is possible.
Can the gastroparesis be caused by gastric plication?
In general, gastroparesis is not caused by Gastric Plication but by certain cancer treatments or other drugs which influenced digestive actions.
Can I have gastric plication being alcohol addicted?
If you are alcohol addictied, you should stop drinking permanently before the procedure.
Can I have gastric plication if I take anti-depressants?
Yes, you can still have gastric plication if you take anti-depressants.
Can smokers have gastric plication?
Yes, they can have but smokers who have the surgery performed are more prone to than nonsmokers to experience anesthesia-related complications, infections, heart attack, stroke or pneumonia
Will I have a dumping syndrome after gastric plication?
Yes, it is possible for some patients to experience dumping syndrome, yet it does not affect weight loss
Will I have gallbladder disease after gastric plication?
In some instances, gallstones may occur after bariatric surgeries, yet each case is different, therefore it depends on the patient’s state
Will gallbladder be removed during gastric plication surgery?
Yes, gallstones are usually removed before the procedure or at the same time
Is tummy tuck necessary after gastric plication?
It is not necessary to have a tummy tuck after gastric plication if you lose weight on a reasonable level. However, if there are lots of excessive skin left, you may consider a tummy tuck.
Is gastric plication covered by NHS?
Gastric plication is not covered by NHS.
What are gastric plication side effects?
You may experience digestion issues (vomiting, nausea) and saggy skin may be a side effect. Also, it is possible to regain the weight you lose after some time.
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Sources:
- www.bariatric-surgery-source.com/gastric-plication-surgery.html#procedure
- www.yourbariatricsurgeryguide.com/gastric-plication/
- www.hehealthclinic.eu/eng/bariatric-surgery/gastric-plication/
- www.health.ucsd.edu/specialties/surgery/bariatric/weight-loss-surgery/Pages/gastric-plication.aspx
- www.ezinearticles.com/?Gastric-Plication:-Advantages-and-Disadvantages&id=7244898
- www.tijuanabariatriccenter.com/blog/2017/03/13/who-is-a-good-candidate-180531
- www.medigo.com/en/bariatric-surgery/gastric-plication
- www.tijuanabariatriccenter.com/blog/2017/11/26/preparing-for-gastric-sleeve-plication-187365
- www.navicenthealth.org/bmi/gastric-plication
- www.salusmedical.solutions/en/view-procedure/12/2/32/0/65/laparoscopic-gastric-sleeve-plication-surgery
- www.tijuanabariatriccenter.com/blog/2017/01/11/gastric-sleeve-plication-surgery-side-178699
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