Laparoscopic greater curve plication (LGCP) is a new bariatric procedure and we are excited to be one of the first practices in Houston to offer it to our patients. The Gastric Plication attempts to mimic the restrictive effects of the sleeve gastrectomy without stapling the stomach.  During an LGCP, the surgeon frees up the greater curve of the stomach (the round part) and folds the stomach inward.  Two rows of folds are created using sutures to significantly reduce the volume of the stomach, restricting how much a person can eat at one sitting.  The stomach is not removed, no adjustments are needed, and no devices are implanted into your body.

This procedure has been performed for the last few years throughout the world with good success.  Early studies have shown great weight loss with low complications.  However, longer-term studies are still being performed to support these early findings.  What they have found though is consistent weight loss of more than 50% of a patient’s excess body weight.  The benefits of a restrictive diet are present without the worry about long-term complications from an adjustable gastric band and the risk of staple line leaks are minimized.  Healthy habits and regular physical activity are important though to any weight loss surgery’s success. 

Early studies have shown potentially lower complication rates than other bariatric surgeries.  There are still risks to this procedure, including injury or perforation of the stomach and breakage of the sutures used to plicate the stomach.  Other commonly observed issues include nausea and vomiting.  As with any weight loss surgery, there is always a risk of weight regain and failure to lose more than 25% of your excess body weight.  Call us today to speak with one of our surgeons about this new and exciting procedure!