Gastric Plication, a new weight loss surgery is currently being done in various areas still in the research phase. It is being done at the Cleveland Clinic. Since it is still in the research phase it is not covered by insurance yet. Information and statistics are being gathered to determine it's effectiveness.
Gastric plication is a restrictive procedure only. It is done with a laparoscope so it is a less invasive procedure. Laparoscopic Gastric Plication involves sewing one or more large folds in the stomach. The stomach volume is reduced about 70% . Therefore you are eating less and becoming full with much less food. There is no cutting or rerouting like with gastric bypass. Just simply sewing therefore this surgery could easily be reversed if need be.
Depending on your pre- gatric plication weight most people will loose between 40% and 70 % of their excess weight within a year after surgery.
Many obesity related co-morbidities are resolved after this weight loss. Long term studies and information is not yet available.
Like with any surgery there are risks involved. Risks such as bleeding, infection and leaks along the suture line of the stomach folds. These gastric plication risks are not common and occur less then 1% of the time so far as trials have shown.
Gastric Plication video