How Gastric Plication Works to Shrink the Size of the Stomach?
Gastric plication is a minimally invasive bariatric procedure that helps individuals lose weight by reducing the size of the stomach. Unlike traditional weight loss surgeries that involve cutting or removing parts of the stomach, gastric plication achieves results by folding the stomach inward and stitching it into a smaller shape. This technique limits the stomach's capacity, helping patients feel full faster and consume less food. Gastric Plication in Dubai has emerged as a sought-after option for individuals looking for effective, less invasive solutions to obesity. With advancements in medical technology and a growing awareness of weight management techniques, this procedure continues to gain popularity.
What Happens During Gastric Plication?
Gastric plication involves laparoscopic surgery, where small incisions are made in the abdomen. A camera and surgical instruments are inserted through these incisions to access the stomach. The outer edges of the stomach are folded inward, creating a sleeve-like shape. Sutures are then used to hold the folds in place, permanently reducing the stomach’s volume.
Preservation of Anatomy
One of the key benefits of gastric plication is that it doesn’t involve cutting or removing any part of the stomach or rerouting the intestines. This significantly lowers the risk of complications and preserves the natural digestive process.
How Gastric Plication Shrinks the Stomach Size
Reducing Stomach Capacity
The fundamental principle behind gastric plication is restriction. By folding and suturing the stomach into a smaller size, its capacity is greatly reduced, often by up to 70%. This means the patient feels full after eating only a small amount of food.
Encouraging Hormonal Changes
Though the procedure does not remove stomach tissue, it still influences hunger-regulating hormones. With a smaller stomach, the body may naturally produce less ghrelin—the "hunger hormone"—leading to decreased appetite.
Promoting Slow Digestion
With a more compact stomach, the time it takes for food to pass through the digestive system is slightly extended. This helps in enhancing satiety and reducing snacking between meals.
Ideal Candidates for Gastric Plication
Who Should Consider It?
This procedure is typically recommended for individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher who have not been successful with diet and exercise alone. It’s especially suitable for those looking for a less invasive option that does not involve anatomical alterations.
Health Criteria
Candidates should be in good general health and free from severe gastrointestinal conditions. Additionally, they should have realistic expectations about the outcomes and be willing to commit to lifestyle changes post-surgery.
Weight Loss
Most patients experience a significant reduction in weight, typically 40% to 60% of excess weight, within the first year. The procedure’s effectiveness hinges on patient compliance with lifestyle changes. Weight stabilization is commonly seen after 18 to 24 months, with ongoing health benefits including improved blood pressure, reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, and enhanced mobility.
Impact
Improved Self-Esteem
Losing weight can lead to a significant boost in confidence and body image. Patients often report higher self-esteem and improved social interactions post-surgery.
Support and Counseling
To help cope with emotional changes, many experts recommend joining support groups or seeking counseling. Addressing emotional eating and body image issues can greatly enhance the success of the procedure.
Conclusion
Gastric plication is a promising, minimally invasive option for individuals struggling with obesity. It effectively reduces the stomach's size without removing any part of it or rerouting the intestines, making it a less risky alternative to traditional bariatric surgeries. As the demand for non-invasive weight loss procedures grows, Gastric Plication stands out due to its accessibility and success rate when combined with lifestyle changes.