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Gastric Plication is an innovative weight-loss surgery primarily aimed at reducing stomach size to limit food intake to about 3 ounces (approximately 70% of your stomach is reduced). This procedure is also known as gastric imbrication or laparoscopic greater curvature plication (LGCP). In Hong Kong, it's performed under a team of experts well-versed in the intricacies of bariatric procedures. Gastric Plication doesn't involve removing any part of the stomach or placing foreign objects, such as gastric bands, in the body. This factor makes it an appealing option for individuals seeking less invasive modes of bariatric surgery.
Before the procedure, patients must undergo a thorough medical evaluation to ensure their eligibility. This includes assessing body mass index (BMI), existing medical conditions, and previous surgical history. Also, mental health evaluation is part of the pre-procedure protocol in Hong Kong. Gastric Plication typically takes approximately one to two hours and involves a hospital stay of only a few days. Post-surgical follow-ups and dietetic supervision are vital to ensure a stable, safe weight loss journey. These follow-ups also monitor the individual's psychological adaptations post-surgery.
Financial aspects are crucial when considering Gastric Plication surgery in Hong Kong. Costs typically fall within the range of $4,000 to $8,000 and can fluctuate based on elements like the chosen clinic, the surgeon's expertise, and associated costs inclusive of pre-operative examinations, anaesthetic services, hospital accommodation, and aftercare. Patients should also acknowledge potential auxiliary costs, such as travel and lodging expenses associated with the treatment. Potential health insurance coverage should be verified since many providers consider this an elective procedure and may not cover it. Therefore, the importance of a comprehensive dialogue with your healthcare and insurance providers cannot be overstated to ensure you have an accurate financial plan before proceeding.
Gastric Plication is an innovative surgical procedure designed to aid in significant weight loss. This operation entails a minimally invasive technique performed under general anaesthesia. The operation starts with the surgeon making several tiny incisions in the patient's abdomen. The surgeon then introduces a laparoscope complete with a camera and other required surgical instruments via these cuts.
Once inside, the surgeon embarks on the primary objective; folding the larger curve of the stomach inwards and sewing it to secure the reduced size. Unlike other similar weight loss surgeries such as Gastric Bypass or Gastric Sleeve, Gastric Plication is unique as it does not involve the removal of any portion of the stomach or the digestive tract. Post-operation, the patient is typically required to remain in the hospital for the next one to two days for observation and medical care.
Planning your stay in Hong Kong for a Gastric Plication surgery goes beyond the operation and aftercare in the hospital. While the surgery itself demands a stay of approximately one to two days for nursing and monitoring, a complete stay of around a week to ten days should be taken into account.
This time frame gives allowance for preoperative tasks such as consultations and diagnostic tests, the surgery itself, and the immediate recovery period post-surgery. Planning for a follow-up examination after the surgery before leaving Hong Kong is equally vital to ensure recovery is advancing as projected. Nevertheless, the proposed stay might vary based on individual recovery timelines and unforeseen complications.
The process of recovery after a gastric plication procedure can vary widely, depending largely on an individual's overall health, age, and fidelity to post-procedure dietary modifications and physical activity guidelines. Generally speaking, many individuals find that they are able to return to their daily routines within about a week after surgery. That said, a full recovery - which involves complete healing post-surgery - is typically a matter of two to three weeks.
What's critical to understand here is, that the aforementioned recovery timeline majorly pertains to the physical aspect of recuperation after the operation. Adjusting to the subsequent diet-related and lifestyle shifts, which are key to ensuring long-term successful weight loss, might entail a somewhat extended timeframe. In places like Hong Kong, patients have access to dietitians and counsellors who are trained to guide them during this important transition phase. These professionals offer insightful advice on making nutritious food choices, practising portion control, and developing healthy lifestyle habits, all of which are integral to retaining the weight loss achieved from the surgical procedure.
After undergoing gastric plication in Hong Kong, the focus shifts toward comprehensive and meticulous post-procedure care. This care regimen is instrumental in ensuring the success of the procedure and involves significant lifestyle adjustments. Specific elements of this adjustment include adhering to a structured dietary program, incorporating suitable levels of physical activities, and attending scheduled follow-up consultations with healthcare providers.
Post-procedure, dietary modifications usually commence with a liquid diet which is systematically expanded over time to incorporate soft foods and finally reintroduce solid, well-balanced meals. Regularly scheduled physical activity aids not only in enhancing the surgical weight loss results but also boosts overall physical fitness and mental well-being. Periodical check-ups post-procedure are also paramount and help to track the recovery progress, make necessary amendments to the patient's diet, manage any potential complications swiftly and provide continuous psychological support. It's crucial to remember that while gastric plication can jumpstart the weight loss journey, the sustainability of the weight loss largely depends on the individual's commitment to long-term lifestyle changes.
The success rate of gastric plication in Hong Kong appears to be promising with a substantial number of patients noticing significant weight loss and a remarkable reduction in obesity-associated health conditions. Nevertheless, it's important to remember that this surgical intervention isn't an absolute cure or quick solution for obesity, but rather an effective tool that when paired with commitment to lifestyle modifications, could lead to enduring weight loss and improved quality of life.
Patients who keep up with suggested diet and exercise regimens, regularly attend follow-ups, and accommodate other relevant lifestyle changes are known to experience significant weight reduction and improvement in their health. However, like with any procedure, there can be instances of less-than-ideal outcomes with certain patients not achieving their weight loss targets or the possibility of weight regain over time.
• Gastric bypass surgery (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass) – In this extensively studied procedure, a small pouch is crafted out of the stomach's top section and directly linked to the small intestine, effectively bypassing parts of the digestive tract. This dual-action surgery not only curbs food intake but also cuts down on nutrient absorption.
• Gastric Sleeve surgery - Also known as sleeve gastrectomy, this process entails removing around 80% of your stomach. The leftover portion is a narrow, sleeve-like tube. This surgery not only restricts the volume of food intake but also manipulates the production of hunger hormones, often reducing the sensation of hunger.
• Adjustable gastric banding – This less-invasive, reversible option involves placing an inflatable band around the upper section of the stomach. The procedure results in a small pouch being created above the band, while the rest of the stomach remains below it. This physical alteration limits the stomach's capacity to hold food at once, thus helping manage intake.
It's important to understand that while each of these alternatives has its pros, a detailed, transparent discussion with your healthcare provider is the best way to decide which method is most suitable concerning your specific physical condition, weight loss objectives, and lifestyle. Irrespective of the selected procedure, personalised care, continual monitoring, and a strong commitment from the patient's end are critical ingredients for successful outcomes following any weight loss surgery.
Ahead of the gastric plication procedure, patients typically undergo an extensive evaluation to ensure their physical readiness for the procedure as well as preparatory counselling sessions. The purpose of these discussions is to equip patients with a well-rounded understanding of the surgery and its potential impact. In some instances, a pre-surgery diet may be recommended to decrease the size of the liver, facilitating a safer operation and smoother recovery.
Post-surgery, patients can anticipate temporary discomfort, which can be managed effectively with prescriptive medication. There will also be a transition to a highly specific diet, initially commencing with a liquid-only plan and carefully introducing solid foods as the recovery advances. Regular physical activity is also promoted, beginning with, minimal movements and steadily increasing to include moderate exercises. A crucial component of the postoperative period is the comprehensive support provided by a multidisciplinary team. This team, comprising dietitians, physiotherapists, and psychologists, play a vital role in guiding patients through their new lifestyle habits for optimized post-operative outcomes and also assists in addressing any emotional challenges during this transformative journey of significant weight loss.
Maximizing the success of Gastric Plication largely depends on following the guidelines provided by your surgeon. Ensure you communicate clearly about your aesthetic goals, medical history, and any concerns you might have. Your surgeon can then provide you with tailored advice that optimizes the success of the procedure.
Also, taking care of your general well-being can drastically enhance your chances for better results. This means avoiding harmful habits such as smoking, and excessive drinking, and incorporating healthy practices such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and good sleep quality into your lifestyle. Once again, Gastric Plication is not a one-time solution; aftercare and commitment to a healthier lifestyle are paramount to enjoying long-term benefits.
One of the potential benefits of choosing to undergo gastric plication in Hong Kong is that the procedure is commonly understood in the medical community to be potentially reversible. This attribute is mainly due to the distinctive approach taken during the operation - the stomach is folded onto itself and stitched rather than part of it being removed or rerouted. In theory, these sutures could be removed, thus reversing the surgery.
However, it is of paramount importance to highlight that reversibility does not mean the procedure is void of risk or can be undone as easily as it was done. The reversal is not a common practice and is typically only considered under crucial circumstances such as if the individual experiences severe complications or if the desired weight loss is not achieved. The decision to reverse the procedure is one which must be discussed in-depth with your healthcare provider, balancing the potential risks and benefits. With such crucial decisions, keeping an open channel of communication with your healthcare provider is essential for patient safety and satisfaction.
Not everyone is a suitable candidate for gastric plication. In Hong Kong, healthcare professionals typically advise gastric plication for individuals battling severe obesity - those who have a Body Mass Index (BMI) higher than 40 or those with a BMI between 35-39.9 accompanied by serious obesity-related health conditions. Thorough medical assessment and interaction with a healthcare consultant is paramount to determine the most suitable weight loss approach tailored to the individual’s specific situation.
Whilst the information presented here has been accurately sourced and verified by a medical professional for its accuracy, it is still advised to consult with your doctor before pursuing a medical treatment at one of the listed medical providers
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The former British colony became a special administrative region of China in 1997, when Britain's 99-year lease of the New Territories, north of Hong Kong Island, expired. Hong Kong is governed under the principle of "one country, two systems", under which China has agreed to give the region a high degree of autonomy and to preserve its economic and social systems for 50 years from the date of the handover.
Hong Kong welcomes an ever-increasing number of medical tourists each year, many of which travel for Gastric Plication procedures. Hong Kong is a well-established hub for medical tourism, although it is better known for its quality and cutting-edge procedures than for cost.
Hong Kong is a blend of a dynamic cultural landscape with an astonishing skyline, glamorous shopping, as well as one of the world’s top culinary destinations.
Hong Kong’s weather is influenced by the monsoon subtropical climate. The temperature is mostly mild all year round. May to September are the warmest months with an average temperature of 33 °C while mid-December to February are the coldest months with the temperature falling to 10 °C. Spring starts from March and ends in early May and the weather during this season is pleasant with many sunny days, but you can also have foggy, rainy, and stormy days.
The summer in Hong Kong is hot and humid with a perpetual threat of rain showers, thunderstorms, and sometimes even typhoons. Summer lasts for around four months from May to September. With August as the wettest month in the city.
The best time to visit Hong Kong is in the autumn, starting from October to early December when the days are generally sunny and the temperatures range from 22 °C to 28 °C. Winter is the holiday season in the city and the average temperature is around 16 °C to 18 °C but it can drop under 10 °C.
The main gateway to Hong Kong is the Hong Kong International Airport. The airport is built on reclaimed land on the island of Chek Lap Kok and it serves international destinations to almost every major city in the world, including, Dubai, Amsterdam, Seoul, Canada, Singapore, and Sydney. For affordable travel, budget airlines such as AirAsia, Eastar Jet, and IndiGo are available. There are a wide variety of public transport services to and from the airport. The best options are Airport Express, public buses, and taxis.
To get around Hong Kong, it is best to purchase Tourist Day Tickets which gives you unlimited access to the main MTR and certain Rail lines for HK$65. If you are planning to stay longer in the city, the Octopus Card will be a big help. The card is reusable and can be used for almost every public transportation mode and you can buy the card for HK$150.
One of the fastest and easiest ways to get around the city is by the MTR (Mass Transit Railways) and it is one of the most advanced metro systems on the planet. The MTR operates 11 lines from 06.00 am to 01.00 am. The fare ranges from HK$3.6 to HK$52.6 depending on the distance.
The public bus is a great way to explore Hong Kong, especially the south side of the island and the New Territories. Most buses are double-decker and air-conditioned and it is an affordable way to get around the city and the fares will vary based on the distance traveled. Other public transportation modes such as tram and ferry are also available.
If you need a more flexible way of travel, taxis are easy to find and offer excellent value. There are three types of taxis, the red taxis operate throughout the city except for Lantau Island and the fares start at HK$24. The green taxis only operate in the New Territories and the fares start at HK$20.50. The blue taxis serve Lantau Island and the fares start at HK$19.
Citizens of around 170 countries and territories may visit and stay in Hong Kong without a visa for up to 180 days. Other countries not listed in the visa-free entry such as Albania, Armenia, and Cambodia need to apply and obtain a visa before entering the country. All visitors must have a passport valid for at least one to six months beyond the date of entry to Hong Kong. Visitors can apply for a visa from their nearest Chinese embassy or consulate.
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