Much like bariatric surgery, it is important to consider your options when choosing weight loss surgery. During a consultation, a bariatric surgeon will review your overall health and eligibility for various weight loss surgery procedures and help you decide which surgery would work best for you.
Typically, weight loss surgery such as Duodenal Switch surgery means candidates have a body mass index over 40 or less than 40 with obesity-related illnesses or co-morbidities such as Type II Diabetes and high blood pressure.
The duodenal switch surgery may be great for those with BMIs of greater than 55. A recent study found that the procedure produced more weight loss than Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in patients with BMIs of 50 or more. This complex surgery does have complications and may not be a great choice for high-risk patients with sleep apnea or heart failure.
Pre-Surgery Considerations
Choosing bariatric surgery means making a lifelong commitment to the diet and lifestyle changes required to be successful. It’s important to understand that weight loss surgery is not a quick fix, and the decision to have it should not be taken lightly. Once one decides to embark on this journey, several preoperative evaluations must occur, such as a comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional and a meeting with a dietitian or nutritionist to discuss changes that must occur. This upper endoscopy, as well as other tests on the heart and lungs (as needed), ensures there are no tumors, polyps, ulcers, or bacteria in the stomach.
Risks of the Surgery
While all surgeries have many short and long-term risks, it’s important to understand them before surgery occurs. Some short-term risks of having duodenal switch surgery include bleeding or blood loss, leakages, blood clots, infections, and difficulty consuming liquids, leading to dehydration. Long-term risks include osteoporosis (malabsorption of calcium and Vitamin D), night blindness (Vitamin A deficiency), inadequate weight loss due to well-absorbed carbs, chronic diarrhea or foul-smelling stool or gas.
Cost of the Surgery
Find out if your insurer will cover the cost of the duodenal switch surgery to obtain pre-certification. Many insurers consider this procedure experimental, so they do not cover the procedure, but it’s great to ask prior to the procedure. The duodenal switch surgery in the United States costs an average of $28,000.
Advantages of the Surgery
The duodenal switch surgery itself has many advantages, including the fact that the remaining stomach is much larger than gastric bypass, which allows for larger meals and less of an adjustable period. Also, the surgery reduces the risk of ulcer development. The intestinal bypass part of the surgery is reversible (partially) for those having any malabsorptive complications. There is a potential for greater long-term weight loss and less of a chance to regain weight than gastric bypass, as well as more rapid weight loss than gastric banding. Ultimately, the surgery has more history of complete disappearance of obesity-related illnesses than any other weight loss surgery procedure.
Before: July 2023 | After: March 2024
Rachel G. Duodenal Switch Before and After
“I took this picture two weeks ago at my 8-month post-op anniversary. Down 133 lbs (and 97 lbs to go hopefully). This surgery is the best thing I’ve done and my only regret is not doing it sooner. I didn’t even consider it then and I’m just grateful I did it (better late than never)! I’m almost 42 and looking forward to what’s ahead.” -Rachel
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