After duodenal switch surgery, people with a high BMI and obesity-related health conditions are highly successful in losing excess body weight—and maintaining their results. Going beyond the gastric sleeve procedure, duodenal switch surgery can lead to higher weight loss and help mitigate significant problems related to obesity, including diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and heart disease.
A board-certified
bariatric surgeon
performs two procedures in one:
- Sleeve gastrectomy: About 80% of the stomach is removed, leaving a banana-shaped stomach (sleeve) that restricts food intake.
- Intestinal bypass: The small intestine is divided just below the stomach, and a loop of the small intestine is connected to the stomach. This bypasses a significant portion of the small intestine, reducing calorie and nutrient absorption.
Like a gastric sleeve, this procedure eliminates most of the stomach. Additionally, a duodenal switch divides the lower intestine. Roughly two-thirds of the intestine is bypassed so that food and enzymes cannot be fully absorbed, reducing calorie intake. The surgery also alters gut hormones, reducing hunger and improving satisfaction after eating.
Modified duodenal switch surgery
Wellstar offers a less invasive version of the procedure known as a modified duodenal switch surgery. It is also called a single anastomosis duodenal ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy or SADI-S.
It combines a gastric sleeve procedure with an intestinal bypass but with only one connection (anastomosis) instead of two. This simplifies the procedure and reduces the risk of complications.
Preparing for Duodenal Switch Surgery
Candidates for duodenal switch surgery include people with a:
- BMI of 40 or higher
- BMI of 35 and obesity-related conditions that include diabetes or high blood pressure
- Commitment to making long-term life changes
Your surgeon will get you ready for your procedure, which will include several preoperative steps, including dietary changes, medical clearance and physical preparations such as exercising, abstaining from smoking and pausing medications or supplements as instructed by your doctor. Following these measures can help you go into your procedure better prepared both physically and mentally, which can improve your outcome.
During Duodenal Switch Surgery
You will be given an anesthetic to put you to sleep for the surgery. Your surgeon will make several small incisions in your abdomen. A laparoscope and thin surgical instruments will be inserted through the incisions.
- Your surgeon will remove around 70% to 80% of your stomach, leaving a much smaller sleeve-shaped stomach.
- The intestine will be divided just past the stomach and a connection will be created to the last portion of the small intestine. This allows food to bypass or skip over a large portion of the small intestine. Weight loss occurs because the stomach is small and the body absorbs fewer calories due to the bypass.
This procedure typically takes about two to three hours but can vary depending on a patient’s medical history and other personal factors. Our surgeons use advanced minimally invasive techniques that help decrease the time it takes to complete the surgery as well as recovery time, allowing patients to return home sooner.
Recovery from Duodenal Switch Surgery
Most patients stay in the hospital for one to two nights. This will depend on the patient’s recovery after surgery. A nurse or therapist will help you get up and walk soon after your surgery to keep your blood moving and improve healing. You will not be able to eat immediately after surgery but will soon be able to have liquids then pureed and soft foods. The post-operative diet should include high-protein, low-carbohydrate meals. You will find that you become full after a small meal. You will need to take extra vitamins and supplements to stay healthy.
Typically, patients return to work and normal activities, including strenuous activity, after about one month. Full recovery usually takes around four to six weeks.
Support for Duodenal Switch Surgery
Wellstar Bariatrics and Wellstar Center for Best Health support patients after surgery to help you make the changes and build habits you need to maintain your results. Our approach includes monitoring and guidance from a physician, dietitian, exercise physiologist and psychologist. In addition to having access to a team of weight loss experts, you can consider joining a support group.
Long-term Duodenal Switch Results
People who undergo duodenal switch surgery can expect to lose about 70% to 80% of their excess body weight within three years. This weight loss is typically maintained long-term, especially with adherence to dietary and lifestyle changes.
After duodenal switch surgery, lifestyle changes include a balanced, nutrient-rich diet, regular physical activity and follow-up visits to the clinic.
Patients must commit to taking vitamins and minerals for life to prevent deficiencies. Ongoing medical check-ups are necessary to monitor nutritional status and manage any complications. Following dietary guidelines is crucial to avoid gastrointestinal issues and ensure adequate nutrient intake.
Every patient receives ongoing support to make these changes and enjoy the benefits of long-term weight loss success.
