Any docs do the Gastric Sleeve Plication?

Hi Katie, I saw your question when it showed up on a google search. The Gastric Sleeve Plication is being performed by Dr. Juan Lopez Corvala at Hospital Angeles Tijuana. You can go to www.angeleshealth.com to learn more aobut the proceudre. It is a restrictive technique that reduces stomach size to a 'sleeve' through the use of suturing.  The procedure takes about 60 minutes, does not use any devices, so that elminates the risks associated w/ complicatioins from bleeding and leaks at the staple line.  The price for the procedure right now is $8,500. Dr. Lopez Corvala is training US surgeons in the technique.  The procedure is only being performed in clinical trials in the US - Cleveland Clinic and in Utah as well. The procedure was first developed by a surgeon at Tehran University.  Right now the 'oldest' patient is post 12 months, and the data indicate clearly (from about 100 patients) that weight loss patterns are similar to bypass. Best of all the surgergy keeps the stomachin a virgin state so that if revision surgery occurs later, there are no contraindications - the patient can have band, bypass, sleeve or antoher plication.  With other surgeries, there are limits to what further weight loss surgery can be performed. There are  no malnutrition issues either - the stomach is intact and so the procedure is no malabsorptive.

Hi Katie, I saw your question when it showed up on a google search. The Gastric Sleeve Plication is being performed by Dr. Juan Lopez Corvala at Hospital Angeles Tijuana. You can go to www.angeleshealth.com to learn more aobut the proceudre. It is a restrictive technique that reduces stomach size to a 'sleeve' through the use of suturing.  The procedure takes about 60 minutes, does not use any devices, so that elminates the risks associated w/ complicatioins from bleeding and leaks at the staple line.  The price for the procedure right now is $8,500. Dr. Lopez Corvala is training US surgeons in the technique.  The procedure is only being performed in clinical trials in the US - Cleveland Clinic and in Utah as well. The procedure was first developed by a surgeon at Tehran University.  Right now the 'oldest' patient is post 12 months, and the data indicate clearly (from about 100 patients) that weight loss patterns are similar to bypass. Best of all the surgergy keeps the stomachin a virgin state so that if revision surgery occurs later, there are no contraindications - the patient can have band, bypass, sleeve or antoher plication.  With other surgeries, there are limits to what further weight loss surgery can be performed. There are  no malnutrition issues either - the stomach is intact and so the procedure is no malabsorptive.

Dr. Daniel Cottam is doing it under clincial trial in a Utah hospital.  3 Brazilian surgeons recently reported findings in the Bariatric Times - based on 66 patients. you can read about it here: 

http://www.inspire.com/HealthTraveler/journal/bariatric-times-reports-on-latest-gastric-sleeve-plication-clinical-trial/

I am new and am considering the plication procedure. My daughter went to Tijuana and had VSG with Dr Jose. Rodriquez and I must say she is losing weight well.  There were lot's of patients having surgery when I was accompanying her and some were having this sleeve plicature and some VSG all with different reasonings behind there decisions. I know I want a sleeve so I don't have to find a fill doctor and have the adjustments needed for the band. Just trying to decide which of these sleeves is best for me. Dr. Rodriquez has pricing at this facility in TJ where my daughter went  for VSG at 6700 and the plication or fold type sleeve at 6200. My understanding is that the costs for the Staples in VSG were more.  If anyone else was out there who had the plication or  please post here so I know what results are like. I am leaning towards the plicature since another somewhat older nurse was having it and said she had done extensive research. Any input will be greatly appreciated.

I am in exactly the same boat..looking at the same doctor....date is booked (yikes) but there is NO info ANYWHERE on successful plication victims other than a research study done that was favourable to the sleeve in results...anybody had this plication procedure? and think its good?? please please answer!

 
Not accurate information at all!!!

Leaks are absolutely an issue with plication.  This procedure really isn't a great option at all, the long term studies are not showing good weight loss, the stomach slides through the sutures like a knife through butter and it stretches back out.  There are already people looking for revisions and they really can't revise to anything but DS post op.  The scarring is too dangerous to cut through.

Check it out:

www.obesityhelp.com/forums/vsg/4308190/Unexpected-Complicati on-from-Vertical-Sleeve-Plication/

Also, this does not remove Ghrelin, you will still be overly hungery.  It's not just a safe procedure.  Less invasive does NOT mean safer long term.

The better surgeons decline to do this surgery for a reason, just like they decline to do Mini Gastric Bypass.  It's dangerous.  Those who want to fill their wallets do this surgery, it's not because it's in the best interest of their patients.

 
Pretty much just the bottom feeder surgeons do it.  Coordinators aren't really honest about that procedure.  They say it's reversible, what they don't say is that it is extremely difficult and dangerous to reverse it.  It can cut off the blood supply to your stomach thus causing what you fear, a leak due to a perforation, stomach tissue tends to slide through the sutures and it gets large again, reflux is a huge issue with that procedure and since you can't really take it down there is nothing you can do to fix the reflux, you just live with it.  You still over produce Ghrelin, the hunger causing hormone.

Honestly, it doesn't sound fantastic at all.

 
The FDA doesn't approve any surgery, they approve drugs and devices - not surgery types.

None of the better surgeons with good reps and track records are willing to do that surgery type.

I am 50 years old, fat and need surgery.   236 BMI, is the surgery in Mexico Safe, Dr Ortiz Obesity Control Center??  Have called for an appt in the USA but was dumped once by my insurance as I was not fat enough.  Now, I am.... I am thinking this Gastric sleeve plication is the answer for me in MEXICO?? My spouse is not happy about the Mexico thing and I am thinking it sounds OK.  The gastric band VS the Plication is another thing I am thinking on.  Any advice for me??

I think you should look into the VSG (vertical sleeve gastrectomy)... check out that board, everyone there seems really happy with the results.  Do NOT get a band: take a look around the Revision forums and some of the stories on the LapBand forum and you'll find out all you need to know about why the band is a bad idea.