Duodenal Switch Surgery

The third type of weight loss surgery you can choose to have is called duodenal switch surgery. Duodenal switch, like gastric bypass, is a more invasive surgery than gastric band surgery.

During the surgery for duodenal switch part of your stomach is removed until only a banana shaped portion is left. Then an intestinal bypass is completed which bypasses up to 70% of your small intestine. Because this large area of the intestines is bypassed and no longer contributes to the path food takes through your  body, the digestive enzymes produced by your pancreas and duodenum have less time to work on the food you eat.

The key to duodenal switch’s success in helping you lose weight lies in the forced malabsorption of food. While your stomach is smaller and does help reduce your appetite, the fact that your small intestines are partially avoided and your enzymes are diverted means that you absorb and digest fewer calories of the food you do eat.

Like any surgery there are both pros and cons to consider.

Benefits of Duodenal Switch Surgery

• You could be among the 96% of people with diabetes who has duodenal switch surgery and sees a resolution or improvement.
• 90% of duodenal switch patients see an improvement in their blood pressure. 
• 80% of duodenal switch patients see a resolution or improvement in their sleep apnea.
• In addition to significant weight loss, you could be among those who maintain up to 85% of their total weight loss for ten or more years after the surgery.
• Duodenal switch offers greater weight loss than other surgeries.
• You may see a marked improvement in any pain you have that is caused by osteoarthritis. You may also have gastric reflux less often.
• If you have had trouble with fertility, you may find that you are finally able to conceive after surgery. Remember to discuss conception with your surgeon before you attempt to get pregnant.

Potential Drawbacks of Duodenal Switch Surgery

• It is possible that leakages could occur immediately post operatively at the site where the stomach is reconnected to the bowel. This is monitored very carefully during your recovery.
• Pulmonary embolism, inflammation of the pancreas, infection, hernia, narrowing of the connection from the stomach to the intestines, bleeding, and occasionally death can occur during and after surgery.

It is important to remember that the risks mentioned above have a very low rate of occurrence. Successful surgery and post-surgery weight loss happen the majority of the time. When you are deciding whether or not to have surgery it is always important to keep the risks in mind but be sure to think of them in relation to the benefits. Often, the benefits far outweigh them.