Gastric plication is one of the latest surgical techniques for weight loss, providing an effective solution for individuals seeking stomach size reduction without sleeving or bypassing. This method reshapes the stomach in a non-permanent way, helping to decrease appetite and encourage natural weight loss. Due to its success and low complication rate, gastric plication has gained popularity among those seeking a safe alternative without complex surgical procedures.
Gastric plication is considered one of the safest bariatric procedures, with a low complication rate of approximately 1.6%, making it a relatively secure choice compared to other weight-loss surgeries.
What is gastric plication surgery?
Gastric plication is a type of bariatric surgery designed for weight loss. It is a restrictive procedure that reduces stomach size, limiting the amount of food a patient can consume at once and promoting an earlier feeling of fullness. Unlike other bariatric surgeries, it does not involve banding, stapling, or complete stomach restructuring. Instead, the surgeon creates ample folds in the stomach to minimize its capacity.
This procedure is known for its low complication rate compared to other bariatric surgeries. Since no devices are implanted inside the stomach, recovery is relatively short, allowing patients to resume their normal activities more quickly.
Gastric plication mechanism: How it reduces appetite and helps with weight loss
Gastric plication is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure where the stomach is folded and sutured to reduce its size and length. Gastric plication aids in appetite control and weight loss by decreasing stomach capacity using sutures without removing any portion of it. This process lowers the secretion of the hunger hormone (ghrelin), helping patients feel full faster and consume less food. Additionally, it does not interfere with nutrient absorption, making it a viable option for individuals struggling with obesity.
Who should consider gastric plication surgery?
Your doctor may recommend gastric plication if you meet the following criteria:
- You have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or more, classifying you as obese. This requirement is lower than most obesity treatment procedures, which typically necessitate a BMI of 40 kg/m² or more, or 35 kg/m² with obesity-related health conditions.
- Your BMI exceeds 30 kg/m², and you have obesity-related health issues such as sleep apnea, fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes, or high blood pressure.
- You have attempted less invasive weight-loss strategies such as diet, exercise, behavioral therapy, or medication, but have not achieved sufficient results.
- You are committed to losing weight, improving your health, and making lifelong lifestyle changes, including dietary habits, exercise routines, and healthier food choices.
Laparoscopic gastric plication surgery steps in detail
Laparoscopic gastric plication is a surgical procedure designed to reduce stomach size without removing any part of it, promoting natural weight loss. The detailed steps of this procedure include:
- General anesthesia: The patient undergoes general anesthesia to ensure a painless experience during the procedure.
- Small incisions: Several small incisions are made in the abdomen to allow the insertion of surgical instruments.
- Insertion of the endoscope: A laparoscope, equipped with a small camera, is introduced to provide the surgeon with a clear view of the stomach.
- Gastric plication: The stomach wall is folded inward in layers using specialized sutures, reducing its capacity by up to 70%.
- Fixation of folds: The folds are secured with sutures to maintain the stomach’s new shape.
- Closing the incisions: Once the folding is successfully completed and no complications are observed, the small incisions are sealed with stitches or surgical adhesive.
- The procedure typically lasts between one to two hours.
- Follow-up after the operation: The patient undergoes medical monitoring to confirm a smooth recovery and begins following a special diet to optimize the procedure’s success.
- Patients usually go home the same day of the procedure
How to perform open gastric plication surgery (non-laparoscopic)
- General anesthesia: The patient undergoes general anesthesia to ensure comfort during the procedure.
- Surgical incision: A relatively large incision is made in the abdomen to provide direct access to the stomach.
- Manually folding the stomach: The surgeon folds the stomach wall inward in layers using specialized sutures, reducing its capacity by up to 70%.
- Stabilizing folds with sutures: The folds are secured using sutures to maintain the stomach’s new shape.
- Wound closure: After confirming the success of the folding and ensuring no complications, the relatively large incision is closed with sutures.
Important guidelines during the recovery period
During the recovery period after gastric plication surgery, essential guidelines ensure the success of the procedure and prevent complications. All patients should be aware of these recommendations, the most important of which are adequate rest, monitoring symptoms such as severe pain or bleeding, and strictly following the doctor’s instructions.
Physical activity and body care
- Avoid strenuous physical activities for the first few weeks after gastric plication surgery, and begin with light daily walking.
- Keep surgical wounds clean and monitor for any unusual changes, such as redness or swelling.
- Stay hydrated by drinking sufficient water daily to prevent constipation.
Medical follow-up
- Commit to regular follow-ups with your doctor after gastric plication surgery to track weight loss progress and ensure no complications arise.
- Take the supplements prescribed by your doctor to address any potential vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
Diet after gastric plication surgery
Nutrition after surgery
- First week: After gastric plication surgery, consume only liquids such as water, soup, and natural sugar-free juices.
- Second and third week: Add soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and hard-boiled eggs to your diet.
- Fourth week: Gradually reintroduce solid foods while avoiding fatty and fried options to support recovery and weight loss.
Healthy eating habits
- Eat slowly and chew food well after gastric plication surgery to prevent excessive pressure on the stomach
- Avoid consuming liquids during meals, and wait at least 30 minutes after eating before drinking any drinks
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in proteins and vegetables while avoiding sugars to support long-term weight loss and health
Can gastric plication surgery be reversed later?
Because it does not involve removing any part of the stomach, gastric plication can be reversed, allowing the stomach to return to its normal position if needed. This feature makes it a more flexible option compared to other bariatric surgeries, such as gastric sleeve or gastric bypass, which involve removing part of the stomach or altering the digestive tract.
The reversal process involves removing the sutures used to fold the stomach, restoring its original size. No additional procedures, such as rerouting the intestines or implanting devices, are necessary. This can be done in cases where the desired weight loss is not achieved or unexpected complications arise.
The benefits of gastric plication compared to other procedures
Overall, gastric plication can transform your lifestyle and reduce the risk of obesity-related health issues, including:
- Cancers such as breast, colon, kidney, liver, ovarian, pancreatic, and thyroid cancer
- Fatty liver disease, gallbladder disease, and kidney disease
- Heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and stroke
- Osteoporosis and general pain
- Sleep apnea and other respiratory issues
- Type 2 diabetes
Gastric plication is distinguished by several factors, making it one of the most requested procedures among obese patients. The most significant reasons include:
- Unlike sleeve gastrectomy, which requires the removal of a large portion of the stomach, gastric plication preserves the stomach structure, making it reversible if needed.
- Unlike gastric bypass, which reroutes the intestines and may affect nutrient absorption, gastric plication maintains the natural digestive process.
- The complication rate is lower, as gastric plication is a minimally invasive procedure, reducing the risks of complications such as gastric leakage or vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
- The recovery process takes less time, since the procedure does not require cutting the stomach or altering the intestines, allowing patients to resume their everyday lives more quickly.
- Improving overall health as the procedure helps you lose up to 60% of your excess weight within the first year, which leads to improved heart health, lower blood pressure, and control of type 2 diabetes.
Success rate and average weight loss at 6 and 12 months
Many studies indicate that approximately 60-70% of patients experience significant and lasting weight loss one year after gastric plication. Typically, patients undergoing gastric plication for weight loss shed around 15-20% of their total body weight initially. After six months, weight loss often reaches 25-30% of excess weight, and by 12 months, it can range from 40-50% of excess weight, with some individuals achieving even greater results.
Risks and possible complications after the procedure
All surgeries carry risks and the possibility of complications. These risks and complications are not common but can be severe and even life-threatening. Complications can occur during the surgery itself or later during the recovery period.
General risks of surgery
General surgical risks include the following:
- Allergic reaction to anesthesia and difficulty breathing
- Bleeding
- Blood clots
- Infection
Possible complications of gastric plication surgery
Most gastric plication procedures are successful, but potential complications include:
- Leakage of sutures, leading to stomach folds that may require additional surgery to correct
- Separation of the stomach folds, necessitating further surgical intervention
- Damage to nearby organs or blood vessels
- Nausea and vomiting
The difference between gastric plication, gastric sleeve, and gastric bypass surgeries
| Transforming the path | Gastric sleeve | Folding the stomach | Criterion |
| Create a small gastric pouch and connect it to the small intestine | Removal of a large portion of the stomach | Stomach folding and suturing to make the stomach smaller without resection | Type of operation |
| Reduce the absorption of calories and nutrients | Permanently reduce stomach size | Reducing stomach size without removing any part of the stomach | The main goal |
| About 2-3 hours | About 1-2 hours | About 1-2 hours | Duration of the operation |
| No reversibility or switchability, permanent after the operation | No reversibility or switchability, permanent after the operation | Yes, the stomach can be unfolded and normalized | Reversibility and switchability |
| Significant, about 70-80% of excess weight within a year | Significant, about 60-70% of the excess weight within a year | Moderate, about 50-60% of the excess weight within a year | Expected weight loss |
| Vitamin deficiencies, leaks, blockages and surgical risks | Vitamin deficiencies, leaks, blockages, and surgical risks | Leakage, bleeding, vitamin deficiencies, and gastric distress | Complications and risks |
| Excellent results with the need for continued follow-up | Good results with adherence to the diet | Less durable results, may need additional procedures | Sustainability |
Comparison between the price of gastric bypass surgery in Turkey and other countries
| State | Average cost |
| Turkey | 2,500 – 3,000 dollars |
| United States | 15,000 – 30,000 dollars |
| Britain | 12,000 – 25,000 dollars |
| Germany | 10,000 – 20,000 dollars |
| Canada | 12,000 – 25,000 dollars |
Why is gastric plication surgery in Turkey an ideal option?
✅ Gastric plication surgery is more affordable compared to Western countries, making cost a significant advantage
✅ Advanced techniques are used to ensure natural and effective results
✅ Doctors performing the procedure have international experience and globally recognized certifications
✅ Comprehensive packages are available, covering transportation, tourism, accommodation, and medical consultations
✅The procedure has a high success rate, exceeding 70%, reflecting its effectiveness
How to choose the best clinic for gastric plication surgery in Turkey?
- 🔍 Check reviews and past experiences of patients who have undergone gastric plication
- 🏥 Ensure the medical center is licensed and approved by the Turkish Ministry of Health, and verify that it is located within a hospital.
- 👨⚕️ Choose a doctor with extensive experience in gastric plication. Ensure they are a qualified medical professional, preferably a bariatric or plastic surgeon
- 📷 Review before and after photos of previous patients to assess the procedure’s effectiveness
- 💬 Contact the center and ask about all necessary details before booking your appointment
In conclusion, gastric plication is a modern and effective weight-loss technique, offering a minimally invasive alternative to traditional procedures such as the gastric sleeve and the gastric bypass surgeries. It works by folding and reducing the stomach’s size without cutting or removing any part, which helps minimize complications and supports the patient’s ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle. While its results may be less permanent than other bariatric surgeries, it remains a viable option for those seeking a non-permanent or experimental procedure, providing an opportunity for substantial improvement in overall health and lifestyle.
Sources:
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). (2012). Laparoscopic gastric plication for the treatment of morbid obesity
- American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). (n.d.). Gastric plication
