Gastric Plication in Los Angeles (LA)

What Is the Gastric Plication Procedure?

The gastric plication, also known as the gastric imbrication, is a new weight loss surgery showing very encouraging results. In this procedure, the stomach is folded over and stitched to itself, shrinking it to a small fraction of its original size. This means that it holds less food, which in turn means fewer calories consumed and successful weight loss for patients who follow the post-operative guidelines provided by the bariatric team at Marina Del Rey Hospital in Los Angeles.

Unlike the gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy procedures, there is no cutting or stapling of the stomach in the gastric plication. Unlike the lap-band, there are no adjustments or needles required as part of the post-op follow up and support regime. For these reasons, the gastric plication may provide a viable alternative to patients looking for an effective weight loss procedure.

How Is Gastric Plication Surgery Performed?

Dr. Korman and the team at Marina Del Rey Hospital perform gastric plication surgery using laparoscopy. This means that instead of making a large abdominal incision, the surgeon makes small incisions, through which he inserts a camera and specially designed instruments. These instruments allow the surgeon to perform operations very precisely while causing much less trauma to the patient’s body. Laparoscopic technique allows for quicker recovery, low chance of surgical complications, and less patient discomfort. The operation can take about an hour if performed by an experienced surgeon.

For the operation, which takes place at our Marina Del Rey facility in greater Los Angeles, you will be placed under general anesthesia, meaning you will be fully unconscious during this stomach surgery. At Marina Del Rey hospital we only work with anesthesiologists experienced in the treatment of bariatric patients to ensure that the procedure is performed as safely as possible.

The end result functions much like a sleeve gastrectomy. However, unlike the gastric sleeve, gastric plication surgery may be reversible because no part of the stomach is removed. In this way, it is as flexible as a stomach band, or lap band, while retaining the function of the gastric sleeve.

Gastric Plication Costs Involved

Gastric plication surgery costs can vary widely from region to region, as well as from patient to patient. While it is not possible to give a single quote for all Los Angeles residents, the knowledgeable staff at LA Bariatrics will help to determine your eligibility and insurance coverage for this procedure. We invite you to call today to speak with one of our representatives to obtain further information.

As a new bariatric procedure, the gastric plication may not be covered by insurance. Our team members are experienced in helping patients explore payment options which are right for them, including affordable financing programs. Contact us for more information.

While there are frequently costs associated with bariatric surgery, there is also a high cost to doing nothing. Increased medical costs, increased sick time, lost energy, health complications, decreased comfort, and lower life expectancy are all costs of ongoing obesity.

Recovery Time After Having Gastric Plication Surgery

Recovery after the gastric plication procedure is similar to the gastric sleeve. Patients will usually go home in one to two days, and can be back to work in a week or so. For a few days, the body may not be used to the modification, so discomfort or nausea may occur.

Dieting After Gastric Plication Surgery

Your surgeon will specify what restrictions apply to eating and drinking before surgery. After the operation, you will gradually transition to eating normally, beginning with liquids and progressing gradually to solid food. As part of our preoperative educational process, both our nurse and our nutritionist will provide you with in depth information and resources to help you through this process.

As with many weight loss surgeries, there may be some foods which you will have difficulty tolerating after gastric bypass surgery. As part of the patient education process, our bariatric nurse and nutritionist will review a list of potential problem foods as well as food which should generally be avoided as part of a healthy diet.

While healthy food choices are a key to success after weight loss surgery, you should not feel hungry or deprived. The long term goal is an adjustment in lifestyle which allows you to eat what you want, but in moderation. Working with the LA Bariatrics’ nutritionist at one of our Los Angeles facilities to determine the right diet for you is crucial to losing weight and keeping it off.

Curious about gastric plicationn? Call us at (310) 577-5540 for more information or to schedule a one-on-one appointment with one of our Los Angeles weight loss surgeons.