Procedure Guide

Duodenal Switch

Alternative Names : Duodenal Switch Procedures, SADi-S vs BPD/DS, Single Anastomosis Duodenal Switch, Gastric Reduction Duodenal Switch

Duodenal Switch offered in Phoenix, Mesa, & Tempe, AZ.

Cost :

Contact

Surgery Length:

2-4 Hours

Anesthesia :

General

Recovery :

Most people return to work within 1-2 weeks, however healing will continue for 6-8 weeks after surgery

Benefits of Duodenal Switch

Benefits of the Duodenal Switch compared to other bariatric surgeries: 

Post-duodenal switch surgery, your remaining stomach is larger than after gastric bypass, allowing you to have larger meals.

Less absorption of fat by 70% or more.

Lower risk of marginal ulcers when compared to gastric bypass.



What is a Duodenal Switch?

The Duodenal Switch is a weight loss surgery that modifies your stomach and small intestines.

In the procedure, surgeons remove the outer portion of the stomach, shaping it into a more tubular form. Following this, they divide the first segment of the small intestine into two parts. The first part, known as the "alimentary limb," is connected to the newly formed stomach pouch, allowing food to pass through. Meanwhile, the second segment, referred to as the "biliopancreatic limb," keeps digestive juices from the gall bladder and pancreas separate until they combine later down the line at the common channel. As a result of this rerouting, the body absorbs significantly fewer calories from the food consumed.

The original form is called the biliopancreatic diversion with a duodenal switch (or sometimes, the gastric reduction duodenal switch).

For the new and safer approach we do at Pivot, called SADI-S, one intestinal bypass is made rather than two. This newer version was developed to simplify the procedure and reduce risks. Less of the intestine is removed, increasing the nutrients your body can absorb. This will also decrease the risk of intestinal leaks and future bowel obstructions.



Am I A Good Candidate ?

Candidates for switch procedures have a Body Mass Index (BMI) above 40, or have over 100 pounds of excess weight. It may also be an option for people with a BMI between 35-40 who suffer from chronic conditions or life-threatening complications associated with obesity. 

Switch procedures can also be done to further weight loss in those suffering from severe obesity or to help control reflux.

Pros

Significant weight loss

The duodenal switch is one of the most potent weight loss surgeries available, typically resulting in patients shedding 60-80% of their surplus weight within the initial 2 years post-surgery.

Improve Weight-Related Conditions

Most patients who have this also have significant improvement or resolution of weight-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and heart disease.

Long-term Success

Higher success rates, with patients maintaining a significant amount of weight loss for many years post surgery.

Potential for revision:

In cases of inadequate weight loss or complications, the SADI-S procedure can be revised or converted to other bariatric procedures like the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or traditional duodenal switch.

Cons

Irreversible

A duodenal switch procedure is irreversible and permanent, similar to gastric sleeve. 

Patients must commit to making lifelong improvements and change to ensure the long-term success.

Complex Procedure

The Duodenal Switch and SADI are technically complex and intricate procedures, which makes it important to choose an experienced surgeon who performs the procedure on a regular basis.

Vitamin Deficiencies

As this is a malabsorption procedure, vitamin deficiencies may happen. Pay attention to supplementation and supplement guidelines while closely monitoring for protein malnourishment and anemia.

FAQ .

Duodenal Switch vs. Other Weight-Loss Surgeries: What's the Difference?

The duodenal switch is less common than other bariatric surgeries as it is more complex and permanent. It involves further cutting into your digestive system, with more bypasses than other procedures. This makes it more effective, but riskier. Check out the SADI-S procedure, which is the newer version of the Duodenal Switch with fewer risks.

Duodenal Switch versus the gastric sleeve?

The duodenal switch surgery is done in two steps, with the gastric sleeve being step one. During the sleeve gastrectomy, the stomach is made smaller, forming a narrow tube that is about 75% smaller than its original size. The second part, specific to the duodenal switch, involves bypassing a significant portion of the small intestine. While this step leads to more weight loss compared to just the gastrectomy, it also carries a higher risk of side effects.

How much weight can you lose with a duodenal switch?

The duodenal switch surgery typically leads to significant weight loss, with an average of 80% of excess weight lost over a two-year period. This surpasses the average weight loss achieved through other types of bariatric surgeries, which generally range from 50% to 60%.

Additionally, individuals who undergo duodenal switch surgery tend to maintain more weight loss over the long term. Studies indicate that over a period of ten years, an average of 70% of excess weight is sustained. For instance, if someone was 250 pounds overweight, they could expect to lose around 175 pounds on average and maintain this weight loss.