How Does Gastric Plication Surgery Work – Pros and Cons

There are numerous different weight loss surgeries, each of them are ideal for different people. Some of these surgeries like Lap-Band surgery are less invasive and generally require less involvement. Other surgeries like Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass require a lot more motivation and involvement. Each of these two specific surgeries are generally right for different individuals. For example, lap-band surgery may be perfect for somebody on the lower-end of obesity, conversely RNY gastric bypass may be on the high end.

In keeping with the same analogy, a new weight loss surgery aims at being less invasive, as Lap-Band surgery. Gastric Plication surgery, or Gastric Sleeve Plication, is a new surgery procedure that is currently being studied and practiced around the world. There are many benefits of this new procedure and they will be discussed below.

Gastric Plication Surgery Pros

The Gastric Plication benefits include:

• Weight Loss is comparable to the weight loss of gastric bypass (gastric bypass is considered the industry standard for bariatric surgery).
   
• It may be a safer weight loss surgery: In a study with 66 patients who’ve undergone gastric sleeve plication, there were no major postoperative complications reported.
   
• It’s less costly than standard weight loss surgeries
   
• It’s completely reversible
   
• No permanent, or staggering stomach cutting
   
• No adjustments needed
   
• Fast recovery time

How Does Gastric Plication Work?

Gastric Plication has a unique take on weight loss surgery. There is no implants or cutting involved. In Gastric Plication the stomach is shaped with stitches to fold the stomach unto itself – thereby reducing the capacity of the stomach.

Done laparoscopically, the stomach is folded onto itself to resemble a sleeve, then stitched together. Similar to Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, where the stomach is cut permanently to resemble a sleeve, Gastric Plication mimics the same surgery using stitches.

Gastric Plication works by making the patient feel fuller quicker, less hungry and fill up on smaller food portions. This drives weight loss, similar to the way that Lap-Band surgery does.

Gastric Plication Cons – Inadequate Data

Because Gastric Plication is a newer form of weight loss surgery, there are not many studies to go on. Many prospect patients won’t like this fact at all. Unlike Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass which has been the subject of countless studies – there is a lot unknown about gastric Plication. Though early studies have been promising, there is serious risks of the unknown. For patients with severe obesity co-morbidities, their physician may opt for a more reliable type weight loss surgery.

Other Disadvantages of Gastric Placation Include:

• Not covered by Insurance
   
• Few doctors qualified for this procedure
   
• Only advised for patients who are 50 to 100 pounds overweight.

Who is Gastric Plication For?

Gastric plication is not for everyone. People who are severely overweight, more than 150 pounds, are not advised to undergo gastric plication. In fact, gastric plication is only meant for people who are 50 to 100 pounds overweight. In the study mentioned above, the average BMI was only 35 – indicating this is meant for people who are on the lower end of the obesity scale.