Duodenal Switch
The Duodenal Switch is the newest option for weight loss surgery at Winchester Weight Management Center. It can help patients achieve significant weight loss and has been shown to improve and even reverse weight-related conditions, such as diabetes.
Duodenal switch preserves the outlet muscle called the pylorus that controls emptying of the stomach, so as is the case with sleeve gastrectomy, dumping syndrome is unusual. Duodenal switch results in the greatest, most reliable and longest lasting weight loss of all the weight loss procedures.
The duodenal switch procedure combines some elements of gastric sleeve procedures with intestinal bypass. It can be performed as either a one- or two-part minimally-invasive procedure.
Part 1
The first part of this surgery is the creation of a gastric sleeve.
For many, the first surgery–the creation of the gastric sleeve–may be all that is required to lose significant weight.
Part 2
If you have poorly-controlled diabetes, or a BMI greater than 50, a second surgery may be needed. It can be performed at the time of the initial surgery or years later if the gastric sleeve alone does not help you achieve your weight loss goals.
This second surgery is called an intestinal bypass duodenal switch. Your surgeon will create a bypass to redirect food to the lower part of your small intestine. This limits the amount of calories and nutrients you absorb from food (malabsorption) and helps you lose weight.
EXPECTED WEIGHT LOSS
Most patients can expect to lose 60 to 80 percent of their excess body weight over a 2-year period. Clinical trials have demonstrated durable weight loss of about 70% of excess body weight beyond 10 years. Since this operation induces a state of decreased absorption, patients will likely experience more frequent and looser bowel movements, increased flatulence, and need to be very closely monitored for vitamin, mineral and protein levels.
