Duodenal Switch
Vertical Gastrectomy with Duodenal Switch Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch
The Duodenal Switch weight loss surgical procedure is considered extremely powerful and effective for long-term weight loss. The Duodenal Switch procedure helps patients rapidly lose weight and keep it off by permanently limiting food intake, efficiently absorbing nutrients and improving the body’s metabolism. Following surgery, patients can enjoy relatively normal and free eating habits, while at the same time, experiencing a higher metabolism similar to fit, lean person. From a surgical perspective, the Duodenal Switch is an involved and complex surgical procedure, and is only performed by a small group of surgeons worldwide—one of which practices at Surgical Weight Loss Solutions.
How Does Duodenal Switch Work?
The Duodenal Switch involves three key steps:
- Vertical/Sleeve/Partial Gastrectomy – Surgeon reduces the size of the patient’s stomach to approximately 15% of its original size. Once a portion of the stomach is surgically removed, the surgeon staples the opened edges to seal the stomach. By reducing the overall size of the stomach, patients can strictly limit their overall food intake, which supports rapid weight loss. Over time, the stomach expands enough to enable patients to eat approximately one half to two thirds of the amount of food they were able to consume prior to surgery.
- Malabsorption – Surgeon connects the smaller stomach directly to the final segment of the small intestine, completely bypassing the first segment of the small intestine and the upper intestines. With nutrients passing through less than half of the total intestinal tract, the body must absorb nutrients more efficiently.
- Metabolic Reaction – By rerouting ingested food and bypassing key sections of the intestinal tract, the Duodenal Switch procedure has a positive impact on the body’s metabolism. Essentially, the Duodenal Switch rearranges how ingested foods are processed through the intestines, taking full advantage of natural hormones to lessen food’s conversion to fat.
Benefits of Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy
The duodenal switch procedure does not require any dietary intake restrictions so patients do not suffer from the “dumping syndrome”. This procedure also generates a high percentage of weight loss and the most sustained long-term weight loss results. On average, patients lose approximately 80 percent of excess weight loss in the first year.
In general, weight loss surgery has proven to be the most effective and long-lasting treatment for morbid obesity. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), bariatric surgery is the only proven weight loss method for those suffering from morbid obesity (BMI of 40 or more). Plus, many obesity-related health conditions can improve and even be eliminated as a result. Here are just a few examples of the health benefits you can expect to achieve after undergoing weight loss surgery:
- Lower blood pressure
- Lower cholesterol levels
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Improved blood glucose (blood sugar) levels, potentially preventing type 2 diabetes
- Lessened or eliminated asthma attacks
- Improved sleep, lessened potential for sleep apnea and snoring
- Relief from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and heartburn
- Improved bladder control
- Comfort and relief from lower back pain, inflammation and degenerative diseases
- Improved metabolic health
- For women, lessened menstrual dysfunction and improved fertility health
- Relief from migraine headaches and depression
- Enhanced quality of life and longevity
- Resolved depression
Potential Risks with Gastric Bypass Surgery
In general, the more complicated the surgical procedure, the more risk involved. Duodenal switch is the most aggressive bariatric surgical procedure, which also results in the highest potential for surgical complications. These may include:
- Abscesses
- Blood clots
- Bowel obstruction
- Excessive bleeding
- Healing issues at incision site
- Infection
- Kidney failure
- Leaks
- Pneumonia
Duodenal switch may also result in longer term complications, such as vitamin and mineral deficiencies, osteoporosis and anemia.
As is the case with all types of surgeries, weight loss surgery also involves risks. Complications from bariatric surgery — such as wound infections, abdominal bleeding, staple/suture leakage, respiratory failure, pulmonary problems or other surgery-related issues — occur in less than five percent of the procedures performed. In addition, the average mortality rate for patients undergoing bariatric surgery is less than one percent, and continues to decline. It is always beneficial to consult with your physician before committing to any type of surgery.
Longer term negative effects of bariatric surgery can include such issues as ulcers, temporary hair thinning and symptomatic gallstones. Depending on the type of procedure, additional negative effects can include abdominal cramping, faintness and headaches. However, many of these risks can be eliminated and/or minimized with a proper nutritional diet and regular physical exercise.
Bariatric Surgery Comparison Chart
Our Bariatric Surgery Comparison Chart is a side-by-side comparison of all of the bariatric surgical procedures performed at Surgical Weight Loss Solutions. We’ve outlined the type of surgery, average length of hospital stay required for each procedure, diet and lifestyle changes required following surgery, expected weight loss and more.
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