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! 🙂
Thats a good question,I just had the DS on December 2 and I feel good just a little sore and tired but other than that it seems to go good. Let’s be friends and we might can help each other out
I had the duodenal switch
47 days ago….I have dropped 65 pounds …and I feel terrific
Hi I am interested in the duodenal switch … I wanted to ask about your progress if that is ok?
Hows everyone doing i am trying to get the d.s done. Any comments would help me. Im nervous if this is right for me
I had DS surgery about two and a half months ago and I lost about 40 pounds! I feel great, things have definitely changed. Since I was sleeved five years ago I’m used to not being able to eat a whole lot. Getting used to new bathroom habits LOL… This is very different as far as eating goes and the new doctors office I used has the best nutritional follow up! I’m a work in progress! Keep up the great work everyone I wish you the best!
I had the ds on January 21st. I am down 67 pounds today. Is this making good progress
Hi Debbie! 67 lbs in 2.5 months is awesome! I hope you are feeling great as well.
Hello everyone, I found this site by accident but, I am delighted that I did. I had the sleeve 7 years ago and gained all my weight back. I am doing research and thinking about doing the DS. I am a hypertensive diabetic so I really fear not keeping the weight off. Thanks for all your comments and welcome any suggestions you all may have.
I’m schedule for DS June 8th. I was once 696lbs two years ago! Therefore, I had to lose 185lbs to become a candidate for the surgery. Now, I’m at 478lbs so I lost over 200lbs so far! I feel great, a little nervous, but I know God go me this far for a reason. I’m looking forward to a better healthy and productive lifestyle! Continue to pray for me as will pray for all of you who battle morbid obesity!
Hi all!!!!! I had the DS 15 years ago and have never looked back. I lost almost 200 lbs and gained back 20 at around the 10 year mark. This is the BEST surgery available. I go back and forth with that 20 lbs but I look good, so I really don’t care about it. Do whatever you have to do to get this surgery!! It is by far the best thing I ever did for myself. Best of luck on your journeys! You will LOVE the results. My best to all of you.
Thank you just had it june 26 2020
How are you feeling so far? What were some initial challenges you had to adjust with?
Congratulations on that weight loss! You’re amazing!!
I’m scheduled to have the DS on June 30th, 2020, a little scared if my IBS will be controlled and how I will feel afterwards
I had DS on 6/5/20 weighing 345 on DOS.
On 6/16 I was down 15lbs.
I am just starting eating puréed foods- it’s difficult to get the protein with food. I’m still having to drink the protein for now.
With every change of intake… seems like extra soft stools follow.
I drink a protein shake every morning, then have a snack and dinner. I too couldn’t hold down the protein but by month 2 that all changed. Easy way to make sure you hit your protein take. Best of luck to you it only gets better 😀
Hey guys just had mines duodenum switch, done on June 26th still in hospital lost 5lbs in 3 days I like most had gastric bypass IN 2013 gained 60 back and now im trying to gain control of my life again wish u all continued sucess
Hello everyone this is my first time visiting. I am waiting for insurance approval for DS surgery scheduled for August 7th
I had ds surgery January 21st, 2020 I started at 416 pounds I weight 322 today 5 months later I’m down 94 pounds. I feel like this is not enough weight loss for the time period. Am I on track or should i have lost more weight by now ??
Hey Debbie! I would contact your dietitian directly in regards to this question :).
I had my DS June 18. Down 24 pounds! But seem to have hit a rough patch because I have only lost 0.1 pound/day for the past week or so. Any suggestions
Hey Angie! I would contact your dietitan. She can help figure out what may be causing a slow down in your weight loss :).
I had my ds surgery on March 5th 2020 i was 389 beginning of july 2019 the dsy of surgery i wss 346 im now 292 so i lost
54lbs after surgery sept 5th eill be my 6 month mark and i have a chart says i should weigh 254 at that time so im 38lbs behind im happy im losing weight but at same time upset that im behind
Hey Ruth! I would contact your dietitian in regards to you feeling behind on your weight loss. She can help you identify if you are and what may be causing it.
Hello, everyone I had my DS on June 29 and I have lost 31lbs so far. But my problem is I am having a hard time keeping anything down. Every time I eat no matter what it is something pureed, soft with only 1 or 2 small bits I even put my food in a food processer because at 1st I though maybe I wasn’t chewing it up it feels like something stuck in my throat, then i begin to get this weird bubbly feeling that start from my stomach working its way up. Its goes on for 5-10 mins (producing saliva) At that point I begin to feel sick either I vomit or a HUGH burp come out and sometime both things happen. Its to the point I refuse to eat because of the feeling. I struggle even getting my vitamins down. I would say this I am able to get THIN regular fluids down no problem. Anything with substance is a NO GO with or without seasoning. I have tried everything even taking Antacid liquid before eating. Not to mention the meds I take that suppose to help with that.
Hey Tarral. I am so sorry that you are feeling this way. I would contact your dietitian so that she can help you identify what is going on.
I am trying to decide between the switch and the bypass??? I am leaning toward the switch, though if you have any advice that would be great. Also, I am self pay, how long from you first consult do the surgery does it take?
Good Morning Brittanie! Typically you will speak to one of our physicians during your initial visit. Then you will be assigned a patient advocate, speak to a dietitian, and an exercise physiologist. The patient advocate will provide you with a task sheet that needs to be completed before surgery; EKG, labs, possible sleep study, etc. Once you have completed the tasks, then you are ready for surgery :).
how are you doing now Kim?
So I had the DS done on the 23rd of September. I understand that was only 4 days ago I am worried because they let me leave the hospital a day early because how quickly my recital was going but when I got home I learned that I was 8lbs heavier than I was the morning of the surgery.. please let me know if this is normal and just from all the liquids of If something went wrong.. thank you
My recovery was *
Liquids or if *
Good Morning Gage! Your patient advocate and dietitian should be in contact with you this week to check-in. Weight fluctuation is common after surgery due to healing and fluid intake. If you are feeling bad, or concerned, let your patient advocate know.
So can anyone share a typical daily eating plan with me, please I need the help. If anyone would like to become buddies to chat with me I would love that as well. We can encourage and motivate each other
Hi my name is sina and I would love to be your friend i just had mines Wednesday.
I had the DS 6 weeks ago. I’ve lost 27lbs but it’s seems to be coming off MUCH slower than with my bypass and I’m feeling hungry more often than with the previous procedure which is making me feel like a complete failure. Any advice?
Good Morning Teri! I would contact your dietitian about this. That way they can help identify what may be causing an increase in the hunger, as well as see if your weight loss is on the slower side :).