There are several types of bariatric (surgical weight loss) procedures. Gastric plication or wrap, with or without adjustable banding, is being marketed by some practices in California and other U.S. and international locations. It is considered an investigational procedure and is currently not approved by any surgical society, health-plan, or regulatory agency. In contrast to the standard procedures, it does not involve any foreign body implantation, stomach partitioning, or intestinal rerouting.

Candidates for this procedure typically fall in the morbidly obese category with a BMI of 40 and over. However, this is still a relatively new procedure in comparison to other weight loss surgery options available. The Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence offers a variety of surgical weight loss options. The first step on your weight loss journey is to schedule an appointment to meet our top-notch team of bariatric experts.

How Does Gastric Plication Work?


Gastric plication can be performed laparoscopically through 5 or 6 small incisions. The stomach is suture-folded over itself in multiple layers. During the laparoscopic gastric plication the stomach volume is reduced about 70%, making your stomach hold less and consequently reducing the amount you can eat. The final result mimics the sleeve in shape but not in hormonal changes.

The procedure takes approximately one to two hours to complete. Most patients stay in the hospital for 1-2 days after the procedure.

Results and Risks

Post-surgery, the return to work will depend on the speed of your recovery. Your diet will consist of liquids and then transition to pureed then solid foods at the discretion of your surgeon. Long-term results, including complications and true reversibility, remain unknown. The severe swelling generated by the folding process may be permanent, even if the wrap can be undone. This thickening is well beyond the capability of current staplers to convert it to another established procedure such as the sleeve gastrectomy when it becomes necessary.

Here are some other factors to consider:

  • Like any surgery, there is a risk of complications from gastric plication surgery. Infection, laceration, and hemorrhage are some risks of any operation, with potentially serious consequences.
  • Discomfort, nausea and vomiting are frequent, sometimes needing to be checked by the doctor in a hospital.
  • Weight loss with gastric imbrication may be more modest in some patients than with some other surgeries, such as gastric bypass or the sleeve gastrectomy.
  • Although it has been proven safe and effective so far, because it is a new procedure, gastric plication is not covered by any health plans

Gastric sleeve plication is fairly new. The Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence follows its progress and published outcomes very carefully. We advise patients to exercise extreme caution when faced with aggressive marketing for this procedure and to fully understand its pros/cons, as well as general gastric plication complications, before embarking on it. This is especially true for those seeking LAP Band with imbrication since it adds an unknown risk profile to an established procedure with a high degree of failure and re-operations. Re-operative and revisional surgery, when needed, will potentially be fraught with more complications.

To Learn About Other Available Bariatric Surgeries

Please feel free to call our Los Angeles office to learn how the Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence can assist you in your weight loss journey. We offer several weight loss surgery options so schedule an initial consultation with one of our highly qualified bariatric surgeons today  (888) 391-0182.

Next, learn about the bariatric surgery diet!