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Gastric Plication is a minimally invasive bariatric surgery designed to help individuals achieve sustainable weight loss. Unlike more invasive weight loss procedures, this surgery does not involve cutting or removing any part of the stomach. Instead, the stomach is folded inward and sutured, significantly reducing its volume. This technique limits food intake and enhances the feeling of fullness after eating small meals. Gastric Plication in Dubai has become increasingly popular due to its effectiveness and lower risk profile compared to other weight-loss surgeries.
Ghrelin, often called the "hunger hormone," plays a major role in regulating appetite. It is produced primarily in the stomach, and its levels rise before meals to signal hunger to the brain. In restrictive surgeries like Gastric Plication, although no part of the stomach is removed, the folding and suturing alter the stomach's structure and pressure. This change is believed to reduce ghrelin secretion indirectly, leading to a decrease in appetite and less frequent hunger signals.
Another key factor in appetite suppression post-surgery is the reduced gastric volume. With less space in the stomach, individuals feel full sooner. This physical restriction helps patients adopt smaller portion sizes and less frequent meals, facilitating weight loss and minimizing overeating.
Studies on Gastric Plication have consistently demonstrated improvements in satiety and reductions in daily caloric intake. Patients report feeling satisfied with much less food, which indicates the procedure's efficacy in appetite control.
Apart from the physical changes, Gastric Plication also supports psychological shifts. Patients become more mindful of what and when they eat. The reduced stomach size necessitates slower eating, which contributes to better digestion and more effective satiety signals.
The reduced capacity and early onset of fullness discourage emotional or binge eating patterns. Many individuals report a reduced desire to snack or overeat, reinforcing the long-term benefits of the surgery beyond physical restriction.
While Gastric Plication significantly reduces physical hunger, cravings can still persist, especially for those who used food for emotional comfort. Post-surgery success largely depends on patients adopting healthier eating patterns and addressing psychological triggers. Nutritional counseling and psychological support are recommended as part of a comprehensive post-operative care plan to ensure that reduced appetite translates into lasting behavioral change.
In the initial weeks after surgery, appetite is typically at its lowest. Patients are often on a liquid or soft-food diet, which further limits food intake. This period serves as an effective starting point for breaking old habits and creating new, healthier routines.