New Lap Band plus Plication surgery

[JanPuppyLover 2]

My research shows that this new procedure of doing a Plication plus lap band has been around for about a year or so. I have read that it is being done at Duke and possibly also at NYU. I think that I also read that it is also being done in Mexico but I am not considering surgery out of the country.

Have any of you had this procedure where the stomach is folded and sutured and then a lap band is also used? The benefits are supposed to be fewer complications, virtually no band slipping, faster weight loss more comparable to the gastric sleeve procedure, no damage to stomach, no malabsorption, no dumping and reversible.

There are no long term studies/results since this is a relatively new procedure. I am interested in hearing from people who have had this done and getting their views of the procedure and results.

Thanks!

[fourshepards 0]

I was watching the Emmi videoa (on the Lap Band website), and that is the way they explained the procedure (with the plication). I am having surgery next week and I am going to call my doctor and ask him. Thanks for bringing up this topic...

[fefebutterfly 7]

Hey JanPuppyLover,

I had my surgery on April 11 2011; LapBand with Gastric Plication. I am so glad that I decided to go through with it because I feel that I have lost quite a bit of weight with both surgeries. Today I had my weigh in at the Gym and I am so pleased. I have now left the 300's and I am on my way toward my goal. I believe that the dual surgery is the reason for my accelerated weight loss. Just make sure you choose a Surgeon that has a great reputation. If you are in NC I would definitely recommend my Doctor.

Best of luck to you.

Surgeon: Dr Paul Enochs

Bariatric Specialist of North Carolina in Cary

Rex Hospital in Raleigh

Surgery Date 04/11/11

Start Weight 355

Goal 145

Current 295

[winifred76 1]

My doctor told me it is still an "investigational" study = not covered by insurance. The premise is that by folding over the stomach, you get the benefit of a gastric sleeve without the stapling or removing of the stomach. Since you have to wait until healing for your first fill, this is supposed to help with giving you a smaller stomach right away and speeds your short term weight loss. Also this helps with the being hungry until the first fill. I've opted to do it with my doctor and am waiting on a surgery date in September.

[sassyfrass 24]

I am thinking of having it done when I'm banded. I will ask more questions at my consult, but the docs mentioned it at the seminar I attended in June. I don't really want it for faster weight loss (as that will just bring more questions from outsiders ) but they say it's less chances of band slippage and won't need as many fills, possibly. I am all about that.

[fefebutterfly 7]

Winifred and Sassyfrass,

When It came to billing, I did not have to pay for the Gastric Plication. Because it is investigational the doctors tend to include it is the price, I guess for the experience. At least thats what my Dr. did. People Tell me all the time that I look great and they can tell that I have lost some weight. But it is not easy, I still have to watch portion sizes and all of that, so it is easy for me to tell people that I have been dieting and exercising.

Fefe

[meem 0]

Hi everyone. I have a question. Why do the plication AND lap-band together. I have a slipped band and I am currently researching ALL my options. I know the benefits of a plication over the sleeve, no leaks due to the staples from the removed part of the stomach (major plus). Are you only wanting the band on top of the plication because of quicker weight loss and the loss of hunger feelings until your first fill? Why possibly go through with fills, unfills, PBings, that horrid stuck sensation if you dont have to? I have learned a lot in my Quest for my decision, the main thing I have learned is that the plication or sleeve is everything the band is but without the isssues. Please remember I am only inquiring and do not mean to offend anyone or their decision. I am not looking forward to another surgery, but I have to, so I want to make the best choice for me this time. Thank you for sharing your reasons and opinions.

[JanPuppyLover 2]

I am thinking of having it done when I'm banded. I will ask more questions at my consult, but the docs mentioned it at the seminar I attended in June. I don't really want it for faster weight loss (as that will just bring more questions from outsiders ) but they say it's less chances of band slippage and won't need as many fills, possibly. I am all about that.

Would you mind mentioning where you are considering getting this done-- and which doctor?

thanks!

[Scuffy 11]

I had the band with plication surgery done on 7/27/11. My doctor did it "gratis," as insurance is not covering the procedure at this point and he and his partner are investigating the benefits of both surgeries (they're doing their own research and will want to publish, I'm sure). After surgery, I had A LOT of post op swelling (internal) that lead to having all of the fill removed from the band. I couldn't swallow a thing--not even my own saliva. I ended up in the hospital for 5 days instead of the usual overnight stay. After two days of IV steroids, I was much, much better and was discharged home. My daughter had the exact same surgery (same surgeon) three weeks prior to mine and did not have a problem at all.

I saw my surgeon this past Monday; he said he is finding that his patient's he is doing the plication on along with the band are having more nausea than those only getting the band. I've lost 13 pounds since the surgery on 7/27/11 and a total of 25 since seeing my doc for my H&P on 7/8/11.

I had some rough days after surgery, but I'm fine now, just a little sore.

Scuffy

[sassyfrass 24]

Fefe, that is pretty much what the doc said to us about plication. He said there is no actual cpt code to charge for it at this time so it is basically a free add on to the band surgery.

Jan, I am in NC so I would be seeing either Dr. Bell or Dr. Johnson in Morehead City area but with plication I thought I understood them to say it has to be done at an approved hospital....like in Greenville or Wilmington. Not sure on the details.

[sandiburn 23]

I had Plication done with my lap band. My Dr. does this to all his lapbanders. I have heard that people that do both have much better results, faster loss, and less issues. I have my surgery 1 week ago today and have lost 6 lbs since then. Thats a little less than 1 lb a day. My dr told me that there are 2 kinds, one where they fold from the bottom and the other from the side. He also said that only dr's that have done over 3000 bands can learn this procedure. I was greatful for anything that would help on my journey. Good luck with your research.

[Scuffy 11]

Fefe, that is pretty much what the doc said to us about plication. He said there is no actual cpt code to charge for it at this time so it is basically a free add on to the band surgery.

Jan, I am in NC so I would be seeing either Dr. Bell or Dr. Johnson in Morehead City area but with plication I thought I understood them to say it has to be done at an approved hospital....like in Greenville or Wilmington. Not sure on the details.

Dr. Johnson did my surgery!!! (band with plication) He is fantastic! I had mine done at Carteret General Hospital in Morehead City; it is a Bariatric Center of Excellence "Certified" hospital.

Scuffy

[plumpdude 8]

I had Plication done with my lap band. My Dr. does this to all his lapbanders. I have heard that people that do both have much better results, faster loss, and less issues. I have my surgery 1 week ago today and have lost 6 lbs since then. Thats a little less than 1 lb a day. My dr told me that there are 2 kinds, one where they fold from the bottom and the other from the side. He also said that only dr's that have done over 3000 bands can learn this procedure. I was greatful for anything that would help on my journey. Good luck with your research.

I am scheduled to have lap band with plication on aug 15th with Duke Raleigh hospital. How was your recovery? Was there alot of swelling and pain? I read a lot of lap band surgery stories on these forums and they all sound pretty good in terms of recovery but there arent many recovery stories with the plication added.

Thanks!

[OKCurt 0]

I had it done April 28th. Very happy with the result

[plumpdude 8]

I had it done April 28th. Very happy with the result

And recovery was good?