Duodenal Switch Surgery in Rancho Cucamonga
Lasting weight loss through biliopancreatic diversion
Duodenal switch is a bariatric surgery procedure that can achieve dramatic weight loss and improve or reverse obesity-related health problems. This advanced procedure reduces stomach size, reroutes the small intestines, and removes the gall bladder to help patients lose weight rapidly and feel less hungry every day. Best of all, a duodenal switch achieves permanent changes to help you keep the weight off long-term.
This advanced procedure is performed only by select, specially trained surgeons nationwide, and our experienced weight loss surgeons at Surgical Arts of the Inland Empire are proud to offer it to patients in Rancho Cucamonga.
Benefits of a duodenal switch
- Permanently reduces stomach volume to physically restrict food intake
- Intestinal rerouting helps the body absorb fewer calories
- Helps reduce feelings of hunger
- Patients experience rapid weight loss (studies show average 70% of excess weight loss within 1 year)
- Lower rate of weight regain compared to some other bariatric procedures.
- Can significantly alleviate or reverse obesity-related conditions, such as diabetes, sleep apnea, asthma, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cardiovascular disease, and joint pain
- Has a high long-term success rate
How is duodenal switch surgery performed?
Duodenal switch surgery is performed laparoscopically (using small, thin instruments placed through several small incisions). Surgery begins with a gastric sleeve, or an operation to reduce stomach size by up to 80%. This reduces the amount of food you can eat at any given time, helping you take in fewer calories.
Next, the upper portion of the small intestine is detached and rerouted to connect at a lower point. This step helps your body absorb fewer calories as it digests your food, as well as intensifies the release of hormones that signal the “fullness” feeling.
Finally, in most cases, the gallbladder is removed during the same operation. This reduces output of digestive juices and prevents your body from absorbing as many fats or other nutrients.
Surgery and recovery information
This is a complex procedure that can take several hours to complete. General anesthesia is used for your safety and comfort, and a 2 to 3 day inpatient stay is required to monitor your early recovery. Patients typically need 2 to 3 weeks away from work and 4 to 6 weeks to recover fully. You will be on a heavily restricted diet for several weeks, and will need to take nutritional supplements for life to prevent deficiencies.
Am I a good candidate for duodenal switch?
Duodenal switch surgery can be a good option for patients who are currently considered morbidly obese (BMI of 40 or higher), or obese patients who are currently experiencing health problems such as sleep apnea, diabetes, or hypertension. Our surgeons can help you determine if this procedure is a safe, suitable option for your based on your :
- Current weight and BMI
- Past attempts to lose weight through traditional means
- Medical history. Patients with certain conditions such as GERD or inflammatory bowel disease may not be good candidates for duodenal switch
- Mental health and ability to commit to permanent lifestyle changes. Like any bariatric surgery, duodenal switch requires patients to modify their eating patterns for life in order to ensure optimal nutrition and prevent weight regain.
What are the risks?
While duodenal switch surgery has a high success rate and a lower complication rate than some other bariatric surgery options, there are risks and long-term side effects associated with this procedure that you should be aware of:
- General anesthesia risks
- Rare chance for bleeding, staple line leaks, intestinal perforation, or strictures
- Nutritional deficiency
- Nausea, vomiting and/or indigestion when eating certain foods
- Increased risk of bone fractures
- Sagging skin following rapid weight loss
- Gallstone formation
You can minimize more serious risks by choosing an experienced, qualified surgeon for your procedure and following your doctor’s instructions regarding recovery, diet, and nutritional supplementation after surgery. Remember, success with weight loss requires a long-term commitment. Additionally, it’s important to consider the long-term health risks of remaining obese when thinking about your weight loss surgery options.
