Duodenal Switch Weight Loss Surgery

The duodenal switch, a new weight loss surgery, has generated excitement. It's a type of bypass surgery, but one that doesn't have such severe side effects as the typical gastric bypass. What makes this new surgery so much different?

First, you have a more normal diet once you've had the surgery -- you don't have the same type of calorie restriction as vertical sleeve gastronomy or lap band, or the side effects of normal gastric bypass.

This new weight loss surgery is a marriage of a restrictive (vertical sleeve gastronomy) and malabsorptive (bypass) surgery.

Because it comprises both types of weight loss surgery, weight loss with "the switch" is faster than with either type by itself.

This is very much a permanent surgery (not reversible).

Restriction: Vertical Sleeve Gastronomy (VSG)

The restrictive part of the duodenal switch (DS) surgery is the VSG. VSG can be performed as a surgery all on its own, but it's also part of the DS.

In VSG, roughly 85% of the stomach is removed, in a vertical fashion. Your stomach ends up looking like a small banana instead of a fist.

Due to its smaller size, not as much food fits into the stomach, causing the restriction.

Bypass: The "Switch" Itself

The bypass part of the DS new weight loss surgery connects the stomach to the last eight feet of the small intestines. In bypassing the vast majority of the small intestines, fewer calories are absorbed by the body.

The downside of this is that fewer nutrients are also absorbed, making a daily nutritional supplement a necessity for the rest of your life. This is a very real side effect -- you will need to take your supplements every days, since so much of your digestive system is bypassed (much more than the regular gastric bypass).

Weight Loss Surgery Results

The duodenal switch surgery has shown some very exciting results in the short term; thus far it has shown the best weight loss and weight maintenance of any kind of bariatric surgery.

However, this is a new weight loss surgery, and there are no long term (5+ years) studies as yet. The expectation, based on the current information, is that DS results in a more permanent weight loss.

DS is not a magic bullet, though. You will have to commit to a lifestyle change; you won't be able to constantly overeat nor skip exercising. This bariatric surgery is a great tool for losing the weight permanently, but it still requires effort on your part.

Video About Duodenal Switch

This is about the best short YouTube video I've seen that shows/describes what happens in a duodenal switch surgery -- it shows what's removed, and where the bypass happens.  (May take a moment to load.)

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Insurance and Duodenal Switch Surgery

Like VSG, duodenal switch is considered experimental by many health insurance plans, and therefore isn't covered.

However, there are plans that do cover this new weight loss surgery, so your best bet is to ask by contacting your health insurance company directly.

DS is Major Surgery

This is not a surgery to take lightly.

Although it can be performed laprascopically on many patients, some may require it performed openly.

In patients with a very high BMI (60+), DS may be performed in two steps, with the vertical sleeve gastrectomy being the first step, followed at a later date by the bypass portion.