Advantages of the Duodenal Switch Surgery
While gastric bypass and LAP-BAND surgery have a higher profiles in media and support forums throughout the United States, it often surprises people to know that duodenal switch weight loss surgery has better weight loss results and higher levels of patient satisfaction than either of the more commonly performed procedures.
Duodenal switch surgery is a more complicated procedure than some of the other weight loss surgeries; but it can be a good choice for a variety of reasons. Basically, this surgery works to restrict the amount of food that can be eaten as well as bypassing most of the duodenum causing less food to be absorbed by the body. Although a significant amount of the stomach is removed during the surgery, it differs from gastric bypass by retaining the valve between the stomach and the intestines known as the pylorus. Retaining this valve eliminates the problem of dumping syndrome that gastric bypass patients sometimes experience. The incidence of stomal ulcers which can occur after gastric bypass surgery is also reduced because of the technique used for making the stomach smaller does not include creating a stoma.
Even though the size of the stomach is restricted, it is less than either gastric bypass or gastric banding and so the diet of a duodenal switch patient is much closer to normal than with the other procedures. This aspect of the procedure generally results in a higher degree of satisfaction among patients who have duodenal switch. Additionally, the removal of the left half of the stomach takes with it the area where most of the hunger hormone ghrelin is produces. This results in reduced appetite following duodenal switch.
Weight loss from the duodenal switch is estimated between 60 and 80% of excess weight, which is higher than other weight loss procedures.
Although duodenal switch offers several advantages over other weight loss procedures, it is a major surgery that requires lifelong changes in behavior for it to be successful. Its complexity restricts the number of surgeons offering doudenal switch surgery, so it is frequently not presented as an option for people suffering from obesity who may benefit from the procedure.
I agree that the DS is a wonderful surgery and so far I am having great results. I think that there should be several of your successful DS patients post testimonials on this website just as there are RNY patients so that newbies can hear their perspective as well.
I had the DS in January 2009 and I am loving life! I have now lost over 100 lbs and couldn’t be happier. I know that I will be able to reach goals I couldn’t dream of before the DS. I tell everyone and anyone that will listen about the DS. I am healthier than I’ve been in years. Thank you so much, Dr. Stewart, for offering this procedure. I had been through 2 previous weigh loss surgeries, and I am so glad to know I’ll not need another. I have found the help I need.
Finally an article on the DS that isn’t tainted with shades of misinformation and redirects patients to other surgeries. Bravo Dr. Stewart for putting a positive spotlight upon yet another of life changing and rewarding surgical solutions you provide for long term weight loss management.
I had the doudenal switch surgery in May 2009 and have lost 98lbs. I fill great and have adjusted very well. I have the energy and stammna to excerise now. If there is a down side to the surgery it would be that you may lose some hair, but I have double up on protein and this has slowed down the hair loss. My regular Physician was in favior for this surgery and has worked with Dr. Stewart office to do follow up labs and regular check ups, but it is very important to keep intouch and follow-up with Dr. Stewart’s office for the first two years also.
I had the DS in August 2009 and have lost 70 pounds so far! This surgery was the best choice I could have made! I feel so much healthier! My knees don’t hurt, I can sleep in bed at night, and I have energy! I can’t wait to see what happens in the near future! Read my blog at amyclinton2004.blogspot.com
I had the DS in October of 2009 and am so thankful I educated myself on ALL the weight loss surgery options!! It is important to attend a seminar and educate yourself about all weight loss surgery options – YES, there are more then just the band and gastric bypass. ASK questions, understand what happens to YOUR insides, find out the short and long term results. COMPARE procedures and then make an INFORMED choice that is best for you!! Do not forget to FOLLOW UP after your procedure!! Dr. Stewart is an amazing surgeon but you have to be a responsible patient and go to your appointments!
I had laparoscopic DS on 12/16/09. I have already lost 50 pounds and feel great. I stopped 9 prescription medications the day before surgery and remain off all of them. I have more energy than ever. I look forward to checking my blood glucose levels now because they are always in normal range. I’ve gone from 4x scrubs to 2x scrubs. My hemoglobin A1C has decreased from 10.6% preoperatively to 7.3% postoperatively and my endocrinologist expects it to be 5.5% by April. In fact, if I reach 5.5%, he is dismissing me from his practice. Wow! Life without diabetes is now a reality!
DS has been a new lease on life already and I’m not even two months out. I highly recommend Dr. Stewart and his staff if you are contemplating bariatric surgery. Research your options thoroughly and make the right decision for yourself the first time.