The Duodenal Switch is a type of weight loss surgery designed to help patients achieve significant and long-term weight reduction. It combines a sleeve gastrectomy with a bypass of a large part of the small intestine, which reduces calorie absorption and enhances hormonal changes that aid in weight loss.
Steps of the Duodenal Switch Procedure
This surgery is typically performed in three main stages:
Stage 1: Sleeve Gastrectomy
A large portion of the stomach is removed using surgical staplers, leaving a narrow gastric tube from top to bottom. This significantly reduces stomach volume (by about 70%), so the patient feels full after eating small amounts.
Stage 2: Intestinal Bypass
Food is rerouted away from the upper part of the small intestine. This lowers the number of calories and nutrients the body can absorb. The small intestine is divided, and a connection is made near its lower end.
Stage 3: Duodenal Switch
One end of the small intestine is attached to the duodenum, near the bottom of the stomach. This changes the normal digestive flow of bile and digestive enzymes, which further reduces calorie absorption and supports greater weight loss.
Benefits and Risks of the Duodenal Switch
Recent literature supports that the Duodenal Switch is both safe and effective, demonstrating favorable weight loss and safety outcomes, At the same time, a long-term study showed greater nutritional risk and a less favorable overall risk profile than RYGB, which requires strict lifelong supplementation and follow-up.
Benefits
- Stomach size is reduced to about 30% of its original capacity, limiting food intake.
- Significant reduction in ghrelin, the hormone that triggers hunger.
- Highly effective in controlling of type 2 diabetes
Risks and Potential Drawbacks
- Increased bowel movement frequency.
- Possible acid reflux (though usually less than after a standard sleeve).
- Risk of nutritional deficiencies, requiring lifelong daily supplements.
- The surgery is irreversible.
Recovery After the Duodenal Switch
- Most patients stay in the hospital for about 2–5 days after surgery.
- A follow-up visit is typically scheduled around two weeks after the operation.
- Many patients can gradually return to normal activities within a few weeks, depending on individual healing.
The Duodenal Switch Diet and Lifestyle After Surgery
After surgery, patients usually do not experience dumping syndrome, which is common in other types of bariatric surgery.
Daily, lifelong supplementation is essential to prevent deficiencies, including:
- Multivitamins.
- Calcium.
- Iron.
- Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K).
A healthy duodenal switch diet should be rich in protein, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids, while limiting high-sugar foods.
Regular blood tests are critical to monitor nutritional balance. Ongoing consultation with a clinical nutritionist is strongly recommended to help patients adjust and stay on track.
Importance of a Healthy Lifestyle After the Duodenal Switch
Long-term success depends heavily on:
- Following a healthy eating plan.
- Staying consistent with medical follow-ups and vitamin/mineral supplements.
These steps are essential for maintaining weight loss and avoiding complications.
Start Your Journey with Contours Obesity Solutions
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FAQs
Most patients can resume normal activities within a few weeks, but they must stick to dietary recommendations and follow-up visits.
Yes, weight regain is possible if patients don’t maintain a healthy diet and active lifestyle.
Those whose body mass index (BMI) is more than 50 or more than 40 with type 2 diabetes and some other serious diseases, such as:
- Sleep apnea.
- Heart or lung diseases.
- High blood pressure.
- High cholesterol.
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.