There are a variety of weight loss surgical procedures out there today and researching which one that could work for you can be overwhelming. You might be asking questions like, “what are the differences of each surgery and what do they involve?” Or perhaps, “which one will allow me to lose as much weight as possible?”
The duodenal switch procedure is one of the options out there. Here is some important must-know information about it and what you can expect when it comes to weight loss.
This procedure is known as biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, or otherwise known as the duodenal switch. It can many times help patients lose more weight than gastric bypass surgery or sleeve gastrectomy. It is a complex procedure that reduces the body’s ability to absorb vitamins, minerals, and calories.
To qualify for the surgery, patients need to have a body mass index (BMI) of 50 or greater, or a BMI of 40 or greater with serious medical complications like diabetes, heart and/or lung disease, high cholesterol, or sleep apnea.
The procedure will help people lose weight in three ways: a large portion of the stomach is removed, which means your stomach will hold less food and you won’t be able to eat as much. Next, the procedure will reroute food away from the upper part of the small intestine, which aids in digestion, cutting back the nutrients and calories that are absorbed in the body. The small intestine is divided, and a connection is made near the end of it. The surgery also alters how digestive juices work to break down ingested food, which also reduces caloric intake.
Because of these three major changes during surgery, the result for the average patient is significant weight loss, sometimes more than 70 to 80% of the excess weight. This happens gradually, over a period of two years. As with any medical procedure, this surgery comes with risks.
However, the duodenal switch reduces the ability for vitamins and minerals to absorb, which can result in long term complications if supplements are not taken correctly. Patients need to be monitored closely and are always prescribed specific vitamin supplements after surgery to help prevent deficiencies.
Wondering if the duodenal switch surgery is right for you? Contact our team at WeightWise today to schedule an appointment and learn more.
I had the DS surgery 6 weeks ago today, while I’ve lost 20+ pounds since then, I’ve had a hard time with recovery. Is this surgery harder to heal from than the others? I’m still having problems.
I had the sleeve done in 2015. I lost 110 lbs. but gained it all back after about 3 years. I had it converted to a DS 3 weeks ago tomorrow. I can tell you that my recovery from this surgery is different than the recovery from the sleeve. While I am feeling well overall, I have had more discomfort and am experiencing an almost constant low-level of nausea that did not occur after my sleeve. The nausea is making it more difficult to get the right amount of protein and calories in on a daily basis. Also, my bowels haven’t found a “rythm” yet, so they are all over the place (sorry for TMI). So far I have lost 17 lbs, but I am sure that would increase with a higher level of protein intake. I saw my surgeon today. He said the discomfort I am feeling is likely due to distension of my illeocecal valve which can happen after the DS. He said it should stop as my body adjusts, but he gave me a prescription to help with it in the mean time. He also told me to add some fiber to my diet by way of Metamucil 2x a day. He said that will help get my bowels under control.
Overall I am happy so far. I do realize that the DS is a much more “significant” procedure, so a few minor inconveniences are to be expected.
If you are having issues, you should reach out to your surgeon. He/she might be able to help. Either way, I hope you are feeling better soon and CONGRATULATIONS on the weight loss! 🙂