DuoDenal Switch in Seattle

Weight loss surgery can be a life-changing solution for those struggling with severe obesity or related health conditions. If you are considering a long-term and effective option, the duodenal switch procedure could be right for you. This advanced bariatric surgery not only helps with significant weight loss but also offers substantial improvements in metabolic health. Duodenal switch in Seattle is a restrictive and malabsorptive procedure, helping patients achieve their goals and live healthier lives.

What Is Duodenal Switch Surgery?

Duodenal switch is a bariatric surgery that helps patients with obesity lose weight. Historically, it was completed using two separate surgeries with the first reducing the size of the stomach using a very similar technique as gastric sleeve and the second part to make alterations to the digestive system much like the gastric bypass. Today it is normally completed during one surgery session.

How Does It Work?

A large portion of your stomach is removed during the surgery, leaving you with a smaller sleeve-shaped pouch that will be your new stomach. You are only able to eat very small portions and you will become full much faster. Your stomach will also not empty as fast, which will keep you feeling full for a longer time. The surgeon makes additional alterations to your digestive system, which changes the pathway the food you eat takes during the digestive process. Your intestines are rerouted to skip a large portion of the normal process and your body is not able to absorb all the calories and nutrients from that food. These changes can lead to significant weight loss.

Procedure Time

2 to 4 hours depending on the complexity of the surgery.

Performed by

Dr. Brian Sung, a double board-certified surgeon in general and bariatric surgery with 20+ years of experience.

Anesthesia

General Anesthesia.

Recovery

Most patients spend between 1 and 3 nights in the hospital and can return to work anywhere between 3 and 4 weeks, depending on how labor intensive their job is. It can take between six and eight weeks to return to your normal activities and you must follow a special transition diet for several months while your body is healing.

Location

Bellevue, WA

Benefits of the Duodenal Switch

Significant and sustained weight loss: Most patients lose 60-80 percent of their excess weight in the first two years.

Improved metabolic health: Diseases such as type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol quite frequently improve significantly.

Increased satiety: The reduced stomach size means that a person feels full faster, and the malabsorptive component reduces calorie absorption.

Better quality of life: Most patients report having more energy, better mobility, and greater confidence after surgery.

Understanding the Duodenal Switch Procedure

The duodenal switch is a two-part surgery in Seattle. First, the stomach size is reduced, as in a sleeve gastrectomy. That limits the amount of food that can be eaten at one time. Then, the small intestine is rerouted, so fewer calories and less fat are absorbed. Those changes together support long-term weight loss and better management of health issues, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.

This surgery is most effective for those with a body mass index of 50 or greater, or for those who have had unsatisfactory results with other methods of weight loss. The duodenal switch incorporates both restrictive and malabsorptive methods that approach the problem of obesity from multiple angles.

Seattle Bariatric Surgeon with Proven Expertise

Brian Sung, M.D.

Dr. Sung has more than 20 years of experience as an expert in bariatric surgery and has over 3,000 procedures to his credit. He specializes in bariatric surgical procedures and endoscopic weight loss that help combat obesity and improve your health, including Duodenal Switch procedures. He pioneered outpatient sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass at Swedish Medical Center and served as Washington’s Access to Care Representative, contributing to healthcare policy and legislation.

He is a member of:

American Board of Surgery
American Board of Obesity Medicine

Learn more

Preparing for Your Duodenal Switch Surgery

Preparation for the duodenal switch starts with a detailed consultation, where your health, goals, and eligibility will be assessed. You will meet with our team, who will walk you through the process, discuss potential risks, and set realistic expectations for your outcome.

You might be expected to be on a pre-surgery diet that will help reduce the size of your liver, maximizing safety during surgery. You also need to be prepared both mentally and physically for the change in lifestyle that you have to maintain post-surgery.

What to Expect During Recovery

Recovery from the Seattle duodenal switch generally takes a few weeks to gradually improve as your body gets accustomed to the new changes. The majority of patients can expect to:

Follow a specialized diet: Initially, you begin with liquids before transitioning to pureed foods and eventually a healthy, nutrient-rich diet.
Add supplements: As absorption of nutrients is lowered, supplements of vitamins and minerals will be required in order to sustain your health.
Adopt new habits: Keeping up with routine follow-up appointments and support groups will help you stay on track to get the most out of your weight loss.

While recovery does require some dedication, the long-term result of the procedure far outweighs those temporary inconveniences.

Is the Duodenal Switch Right for You?

The duodenal switch is a very powerful tool for people in Seattle who need substantial weight loss and have not succeeded with other means. This would especially come in handy for those having problems due to severe obesity or related health conditions. Your provider will be able to assess your particular needs during your consultation and see if this procedure is the right one for you.

Call Us to Learn More About the Duodenal Switch in Seattle Today

Ready to learn about the duodenal switch in Seattle? This life-changing weight loss surgery gives you the opportunity to live the life you deserve, finally achieve your goals, and enjoy better health. Book a consultation in our office today; it could be the beginning of a brighter future. Let’s work together to create that future.

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.

DuoDenal Switch In Seattle Metropolitan Area

Newvue Plastic Surgery in Bellevue

10047 Main St Ste 103, Bellevue, WA 98004 (425) 463-9883

Monday: 8:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M.
Tuesday: 8:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M.
Wednesday: 8:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M.
Thursday: 8:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M.
Friday: 8:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M.
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Map & Direction