Duodenal Switch (DS): When It's Time to Consider Bariatric Plan B

Duodenal switch surgery is a combination of a gastric sleeve and gastric bypass surgery, in simple terms. It decreases both the quantity of food that can be accommodated by the stomach and the number of calories that can be absorbed and used by the body.

It is considered one of the more specialized weight loss surgery procedures and is only performed by bariatric surgeons who have successfully undergone procedure-specific training to perform it.

WHO IS APPROPRIATE FOR DUODENAL SWITCH SURGERY?

Duodenal switch revisional bariatric surgery is sometimes performed as a secondary procedure after a gastric band or sleeve gastrectomy surgery did not achieve the desired overall weight loss the patient hoped to achieve.

This lesser know procedure actually offers the patient the highest opportunity to lose the highest volume of weight loss.

DUODENAL SWITCH KEY FACTS:

*It may reduce hunger significantly.

*You may have nutritional deficiencies and must take multi-vitamins daily

*You will not experience dumping syndrome if you consume sugar.

*You will carefully monitor your diet to ensure you are consuming enough healthy foods.

Duodenal Switches involve stapling about 70 percent of the stomach off and leaving the rest of the stomach connected to the first part of the intestine (the duodenum) which is then re-attached at a lower area of the intestine.

This procedure prevents bile and digestive juices from processing food further down the intestine which results in less caloric absorption. Because of this longer period between eating and digestion of food, the food passes to the colon faster, and the patient doesn't process the full amount of calories he or she normally would have.

The positives and negatives of DS Surgery

Duodenal switch surgery has excellent results, with the average patient losing 70 to 80 percent of excess weight in the two years that follow the procedure. However, patients who choose this type of surgery are at higher risk for nutritional deficiencies than with other types of weight loss surgery. Nutritional supplements, including vitamins and minerals, will be necessary for the lifetime of the patient.

If you are still considering your bariatric options, talk with your surgeon about the viability of this weight loss surgical option for you.