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What is a Duodenal Switch?

The duodenal switch is a weight loss surgery for individuals who have severe obesity. The surgery has been done for over 20 years and has become more common in the last several years. The procedure is a highly effective way of losing weight and improving health-related issues.

It combines principles of calorie restriction and malabsorption and can be combined with a biliopancreatic diversion. During your consultation with our skilled surgeon in Bellevue, you will discover how a duodenal switch can help you lose weight.

The surgeon reduces the size of the stomach under general anesthesia. This modification restricts your food intake and means you feel full more quickly. Next, the surgeon bypasses the middle of the small intestines by attaching the duodenum to the lower intestine. Typically, the surgery takes about 3 hours, and you stay in the hospital for up to 3 days after surgery.

The duodenal switch requires a lifelong change in eating and supplementation. For example, foods that are high in fat or sugar can cause you to develop excess gas, diarrhea, and stomach cramping. It is recommended that you eat small meals that are high in protein and include foods that are high in omega-3 fats so you feel full faster and longer.

Currently, this procedure is the most reliable weight loss procedure with long-term results. Duodenal switch surgery is like gastric bypass surgery in that it restricts calories and creates malabsorption to lose weight. However, during gastric bypass surgery, a greater portion of the stomach is removed, whereas a larger portion of the small intestines is bypassed during the duodenal switch surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Duodenal Switch

How does this surgery affect how my body absorbs food?

Duodenal switch surgery alters the way your intestines work, so your body is not able to absorb all the calories and nutrients from the food you eat. This helps you lose weight, but it also means that you need to be deliberate about the food you eat and make sure you take your vitamins and supplements every day.

What kind of vitamins will I need to take after duodenal switch surgery?

Everyone is a bit different, and your surgeon will help prescribe the vitamins and nutrients you will need to take every day. Most likely, you will need a good multivitamin, calcium, iron, vitamin D, and possibly others. Your doctor will use blood work to determine where you may have gaps that require supplementation.

Can I drink alcohol after duodenal switch surgery?

Maybe. After bariatric surgery, alcohol normally affects your system much faster and much stronger. Your surgeon will help guide you on whether alcohol in moderation will be okay for you after you fully heal. Alcohol is also full of empty calories, which can hinder your weight loss efforts or even cause you to gain weight if you are not careful.

How often will I need follow-up visits after duodenal switch?

After duodenal switch surgery, your follow up appointment schedule will be fairly intense, with appointments at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 1 year. After the first year you will need to have a regular scheduled check-up every year for the rest of your life.

What happens if I do not follow the recommended diet after duodenal switch surgery?

Ignoring your dietary guidelines after bariatric surgery can lead to issues like stomach upset, diarrhea, or nutritional deficiencies. It can affect your health and your weight loss results if you do not follow your diet plan.

Is loose skin common after duodenal surgery?

Yes. It is common to have loose skin after you lose a significant amount of weight. The amount of loose skin you will be left with depends on how much weight you lose, your age, and the elasticity of your skin. Some people choose to undergo body contouring surgery to eliminate loose skin later to put the final touches on their transformation.