Gastric Plication - Complete and Simple Guide

What is gastric plication?

Imagine your stomach is like a big balloon, and gastric plication is like folding this balloon from inside and stitching it to make it much smaller!

How it's done?

• We fold a large part of the stomach onto itself
• Stitch it tightly to keep it folded
• Stomach size becomes 70% smaller

Result: You feel full quickly and eat much less

Special: Simple laparoscopic surgery, takes only one hour!

Who needs gastric plication?

Basic requirements:

✅ BMI 30 or higher - Clear obesity
✅ Tried other methods without success - Diet, exercise, medications
✅ Want less complex surgery - Safe alternative to major operations
✅ Good general health - No diseases preventing surgery

When do we recommend it?

• Moderate obesity - Not extremely severe
• Fear of major surgeries - Like sleeve gastrectomy
• Want reversible procedure - Can be undone
• Need gradual weight loss - Without drastic changes

Comparison with other bariatric surgeries

Preparation before surgery

Medical consultation:

• Comprehensive examination - To ensure general health
• Required tests - Blood, heart, lungs
• Discuss expectations - Expected results

One week before:

❌ Stop smoking - For better healing
❌ Avoid blood thinners - Like aspirin
✅ Follow doctor's instructions - For medications and supplements

Surgery day:

• Fast 8-12 hours - No food or drink
• Shower and personal hygiene - Surgery preparation
• Comfortable clothes - Easy to wear
• Companion - Don't drive after surgery

How is the procedure done?

Preparation (30 minutes):

• General anesthesia - Peaceful, comfortable sleep
• Surgery position - On the back
• Area sterilization - For complete safety

Surgery (60 minutes):

1. Make 5-6 small incisions - In abdomen (5-10 mm)
2. Insert laparoscope - Small camera to see stomach
3. Insert instruments - Precise surgical tools
4. Fold the stomach - Fold large part onto itself
5. Stitching - Secure folds with strong sutures
6. Check result - Ensure perfection

Completion (30 minutes):

• Remove instruments - With complete care
• Close incisions - With cosmetic sutures
• Wake from anesthesia - Gradually and safely

Total duration: 2-2.5 hours (including preparation)

Benefits of gastric plication

Simplicity and safety:

• Simplest bariatric surgery - Easy technique
• Very low risks - Compared to other surgeries
• Less anesthesia - Short duration
• Faster healing - Quick return to normal life

Flexibility:

• Reversible - Can return stomach to original size
• No anatomical changes - Stomach remains as is
• No foreign devices - No balloon or band
• No intestinal effects - Surgery only on stomach

Results:

• Good weight loss - 30-55% of excess weight
• Disease improvement - Diabetes, blood pressure, joints
• Better sleep - Treat sleep apnea
• Greater confidence - Better appearance and stronger health

Expected results - Timeline

First month:

• Lose 5-8 kg - Quick and encouraging results
• Quick satiety - With small amounts
• Better energy - Greater activity

3-6 months:

• Lose 15-25 kg - Halfway to goal
• Clear improvement - In diabetes and blood pressure
• Smaller sizes - New clothes

Full year:

• Lose 25-40 kg - Complete result
• Excellent health - Major disease improvement
• New life - Activity and fitness

Two years:

• Weight stability - Reach final goal
• Healthy habits - New lifestyle
• Complete satisfaction - With results

After surgery - Diet plan

First two weeks - Liquids only:

• Water - Small, frequent amounts
• Diluted juices - Sugar-free
• Clear soup - No pieces
• Light tea - Not too much caffeine

Week 3-4 - Thick liquids:

• Vegetable soup - Smooth puree
• Juice with pulp - Natural, no sugar
• Protein drinks - Prevent muscle loss
• Diluted yogurt - With water

Week 5-6 - Soft food:

• Mashed fruits - Banana, cooked apple
• Plain yogurt - No fruit pieces
• Soup with small pieces - Soft vegetables
• Boiled egg - Smooth mash

After 6 weeks - Regular food:

• Small meals - Fist-sized portions
• Chew well - 20-30 times per bite
• Eat slowly - 20-30 minutes per meal
• Stop before full - To avoid vomiting

Golden tips for success

Eating habits:

• Small, frequent meals - 6 meals daily
• Protein first - Preserve muscles
• Vegetables and fruits - For vitamins
• Avoid sugars - And saturated fats

Drinking:

• Don't drink with meals - Stretches stomach
• Drink between meals - Avoid dehydration
• Cold water before eating - Increases satiety
• Avoid carbonated drinks - Cause bloating

Exercise:

• Walking from first week - 10-15 minutes
• Light exercise after month - Swimming, yoga
• Normal exercise after 3 months - As able
• Regular exercise - 3-4 times weekly

Risks and complications

Minor risks (less than 5%):

• Nausea and vomiting - First few days
• Surgery site pain - Natural and temporary
• Mild bloating - Disappears within week

Rare complications (less than 1%):

• Suture separation - Needs repair surgery
• Stomach leak - Very rare
• Infection - With poor hygiene

How to avoid problems?

• Choose expert doctor - Specialized in these surgeries
• Follow instructions precisely - Especially diet
• Regular follow-up - Don't skip appointments
• Contact doctor immediately - With any problem

Signs requiring immediate doctor attention:

• Severe continuous pain - Not relieved by painkillers
• Continuous vomiting - More than 24 hours
• High fever - Above 38.5°C
• Wound bleeding - Or severe swelling

Cost and financial considerations

Factors affecting price:

• Doctor's experience - Expertise has a price
• Hospital - Level and services
• Country and city - Prices vary
• Health condition - May need additional tests

What price usually includes:

• Consultation and examination - Initial assessment
• Required tests - Blood, heart, lungs
• Surgery and anesthesia - Basic cost
• Hospital stay - Usually one day
• Initial follow-up - For specific period

Cost comparison:

• Cheaper than sleeve - About 30-40%
• Cheaper than bypass - About 50-60%
• Health investment - Lifetime benefits

Tips for choosing the right doctor

Look for:

• Bariatric surgery specialization - Specific expertise
• Gastric plication experience - Many successful surgeries
• Certified credentials - From bariatric surgery societies
• Documented results - Before and after photos

Important questions:

• How many gastric plications have you performed?
• What's the success rate for my case?
• What are the potential risks?
• How will follow-up be after surgery?
• What diet plan is required?

Warning signs:

• Unrealistic result guarantees
• Suspiciously low prices
• Pressure for quick decision
• Not clearly explaining risks

Comparison with other alternatives

Gastric balloon:

• Less invasive but temporary - Only 6 months
• Cheaper but fewer results - Limited weight loss

Sleeve gastrectomy:

• Better results but not reversible
• Higher risks and longer healing

Gastric bypass:

• Best results but most complex surgery
• High risks and more complications

Summary

Gastric plication is the smart choice for moderate obesity. With the right doctor and commitment to instructions, you'll get:

✅ Excellent weight loss (30-55% of excess weight)
✅ Safe and simple surgery
✅ Quick healing and return to normal life
✅ Major improvement in health and diseases
✅ Possibility of reversal if needed

Remember: Success needs commitment - surgery is the beginning, healthy lifestyle is the secret!