Why Choose Gastric Plication?
✔ No Stomach Removal – Fully Reversible Procedure
✔ No Foreign Objects – Unlike Bands or Balloons
✔ 60% Less Invasive Than Sleeve Gastrectomy
✔ Ideal for BMI 30-40 – Moderate Weight Loss Needs
Are You Looking for an Effective, Less Invasive Weight Loss Solution?
Do you struggle with obesity and want a permanent solution without stomach removal?
Are you looking for a reversible weight loss procedure with fewer risks?
Do you want a minimally invasive option that gets you back to work in days?
We have the answer you’ve been looking for.
Gastric plication in Riyadh could be the solution you’ve been searching for! This novel surgery involves folding the stomach to minimize its size, thereby restricting food intake and making you feel fuller with smaller meals. Unlike other procedures, gastric plication does not involve the removal of any part of the stomach, making it a reversible option with fewer risks. Ideal for people dealing with obesity, it provides a long-term solution to becoming a healthier, more confident version of yourself.
Ready to take the first step toward long-term weight loss? Gastric plication might be the answer!
Dr Rabih Abi Rafea’s Surgical Expertise:
Dr Rabih Abi Rafea doesn’t just reduce stomach size—he transforms lives. With over 15 years of dedicated experience and advanced training in metabolic surgery, he delivers safe, effective, and reversible weight loss solutions.
- Middle East’s Most Experienced Plication Surgeon – 150+ Procedures
- Trained at Johns Hopkins (USA) & Seoul Metabolic Center
- Pioneer of “Double-Fold Technique” – For Enhanced Restriction
Quick facts:
| Cost: | 24,999 SAR and 29,999 SAR. |
| Results | long-lasting. |
| Type of procedure: | surgical. |
| Time duration: | 30-50 minutes. |
| Downtime | for about 1-2 days. |
| Back to work | after 2-3 days |
| Side effects | minimal. |
Gastric plication| Permanent weight loss solution?
Gastric plication, also known as Laparoscopic gastric plication and Stomach plication surgery, is a process in which the doctor folds the stomach by making stitches.
The doctor makes the stomach into a smaller tube to store less food. It is also called gastric imbrication, which restricts the food and reduces the stomach to up to 75% of the total.
This method is used as an alternative to weight loss surgery.
How does it work?
| Upper Stomach Folds: | Lower Stomach Folds: |
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Results:
The procedure is quick and gives fewer scars compared to the other techniques. The candidates are advised to go back to their normal routine after 2 weeks. The results include the feeling of the stomach being full instantly by eating less.
- 50-60% Excess Weight Loss
- 1-Day Hospital Stay
- 100% Reversible If Needed




Results Timeline:
| Time | What to Expect |
| Month 1 | Liquid diet; initial weight loss begins |
| Month 3 | Soft foods introduced; steady weight loss |
| Month 6 | Significant weight loss is visible |
| Month 12 | 50-60% excess weight loss achieved |
| Long-term | Results are maintained with a healthy lifestyle |

Benefits of gastric plication:
The benefits of the technique are as follows:
- Minimizes the weight.
- Cost-effective solution.
- Does not disturb the digestive tract.
- No need for stomach removal.
- Enhances confidence.
Who are the Eligible candidates?
The candidates who are eligible for this technique are as follows:
- Medically fit candidates.
- A person who has realistic expectations.
- Anyone who has not undergone bariatric surgery before.
- A patient who wants to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- People who desire to minimize their weight.
Not suitable for:
- Patients with severe obesity (BMI >45) – May need a more aggressive procedure
- Those with previous gastric surgery
- Individuals with certain medical conditions (consult your doctor)
- Patients who are not committed to lifestyle changes
Preparation:
The instructions that the doctor gives before the treatment are mentioned below:
- Refrain from smoking.
- Avoid blood thinners.
- Do not consume alcohol.
- Go for the consultation.
- Wear comfortable clothes.
Bariatric surgery options| Stomach size reduction:
- Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y).
- Sleeve Gastrectomy.
- Gastric Banding (Lap-Band)
- Gastric Plication.
- Duodenal Switch
- Endoscopic Procedures.
Step-by-step procedure| Effective bariatric treatment:
The procedure is processed by following the steps below:
Step 1: Preparation
The doctor prepares the area by cleaning it with an antiseptic solution.
Step 2: Anesthesia
General anesthesia is administered for your comfort.
Step 3: Insertion of Endoscope/Laparoscope
After preparation, the doctor inserts laparoscopic instruments through small incisions to visualize the stomach.
Step 4: Folding
The doctor folds the stomach inward and sutures it to reduce its size by up to 70%, which helps reduce hunger and promotes weight loss.
Step 5: Stitching
The doctor secures the fold with permanent sutures to maintain the reduced size.
Step 6: Duration
The whole technique takes about 30-50 minutes to perform.
Note: It is recommended to get this procedure from a doctor who is highly experienced in performing weight loss surgeries.
Post-surgery lifestyle changes:
The instructions that the doctor provides after the treatment are as follows:
- Take the medicines for pain relief.
- Take liquid for two to three days.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle by following a diet and exercising.
- Drink plenty of water.
Plication surgery recovery:
The recovery time is about one week. The doctor recommends taking the proper rest for one to two days. In the initial days, the candidate may experience some discomfort, but it goes away after a few days. To see the instant recovery, follow all the instructions that the doctor gives.
| Time | What to Expect |
| Day 1-2 | Hospital stay; liquid diet; mild discomfort |
| Day 3-5 | Return to desk work; continue liquids |
| Week 1-2 | Pureed foods; resumed light activities |
| Week 3-4 | Soft foods; steady weight loss begins |
| Week 6 | Return to full activities |
| Month 1-3 | Significant weight loss is visible |
Plication surgery Cost:
The cost may begin with 24,999 AED and go up to 29,999 AED. The cost is not fixed and can be changed depending on many other factors. If you are interested in learning the final cost, then you must visit us at the clinic.
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By Procedure Type
| Surgery | Price Range (SAR) | Target Area |
| Diaphragm Plication | 35,000 – 60,000 | Breathing improvement |
| Vaginal Plication | 12,000 – 25,000 | Pelvic organ support |
| Rectus Plication | 15,000 – 30,000 | Post-pregnancy tummy tightening |
| Heart Valve Plication | 80,000 – 150,000 | Cardiac repair |
2. Full Cost Breakdown (Rectus/Vaginal)
| Component | Price Range (SAR) | |
| Surgeon’s Fee | 8,000 – 20,000 | |
| Anesthesia | 3,000 – 6,000 | |
| Hospital Stay | 4,000 – 10,000 | (1-2 nights) |
| Post-Op Care | 2,000 – 5,000 |
Cost affecting factors:
The factors that can affect the cost are as follows:
- Location.
- Experience.
- Reputation and the standard of the clinic.
- Other service charges.
Gastric plication vs gastric bypass:
Below is the comparison between the two:
| Gastric plication | Gastric bypass |
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Achieve a smaller stomach!
FAQ’s:
Does the doctor remove the stomach?
No, the doctor does not remove the stomach.
How many stomach can it reduce?
The doctor can reduce the 70% if the stomach by stapling it.
When can I resume the activities?
The candidate can resume the activities after 2-3 days.
Is it a helpful technique in making people less hungry?
Yes, it is a helpful technique in making the people less hungry.
What is the downtime?
The downtime for this technique is about 1-2 days.
Doctors
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