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Duodenal Switch Surgery

Duodenal Switch Surgery in New Jersey

Being classified as overweight or obese can put you at risk for many health problems like high blood pressure and cause diseases like type 2 diabetes. Losing excess body weight is the only way to combat these medical conditions, but doing so alone can be difficult and time-consuming, and if your health is at risk, there may be no time to waste. Garden State Bariatrics performs life-changing bariatric procedures like duodenal switch surgery, gastric bypass, and gastric sleeve, also known as sleeve gastrectomy at one of our three New Jersey locations including Millburn, Toms River, and Browns Mills.

Weight Loss Surgery to Improve Diabetes or Sleep Apnea

Duodenal switch surgery can help you shed excess weight and may also reverse many of the health conditions you developed as a result of your Trusetd Source Checkbox Trusted Source BPD/DS Weight-Loss Surgery Johns Hopkins Medicine Go to Source weight gain . Please feel free to reach out to us if you would like to schedule a consultation.

What Is Duodenal Switch Surgery?

Duodenal switch surgery is a laparoscopic weight loss procedure that combines two techniques in one, with the goal of making the stomach smaller and rerouting the intestines. Together, these two components prove to be an effective way to lose weight and improve health issues caused by being overweight.

What Conditions Does the Surgery Treat?

Duodenal switch surgery helps overweight and obese individuals lose weight and can effectively address many health concerns caused by excess weight. It is the most effective treatment for improving diabetes, hyperlipidemia, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, and sleep apnea. The procedure has been performed by doctors for more than twenty years and has shown to be very successful in treating Type II diabetes. Your doctor can help you determine if this is the right procedure to help you lose weight and combat other health concerns.

Benefits of Duodenal Switch Surgery

Duodenal switch surgery is an excellent first step to leading a healthier life. Many doctors recommend this procedure to patients who are severely obese as a way to help them permanently lose weight and address any concerns caused by their obesity. Typically, we suggest you consider duodenal switch surgery over other bariatric procedures if you have a body mass index (BMI) of 50 or greater or if you have a BMI of 40 or more in addition to severe Type II diabetes. Duodenal switch surgery is a complex procedure that requires a hospital stay, however, Garden State Bariatrics surgical team includes the best and most experienced weight loss surgeons in New Jersey who perform 40-50 of these procedures each year. In our hands, the duodenal switch is not only a safe and effective method of weight loss, it can provide numerous benefits, including:

Effective Treatment for Diabetes: Duodenal switch is very effective at treating type 2 diabetes with some studies showing a greater than Trusetd Source Checkbox Trusted Source BARIATRIC SURGERY MAY CURE TYPE 2 DIABETES IN SOME PATIENTS Cleveland Clinic Go to Source 90% cure rate for the disease.

Produces Rapid Weight Loss: The procedure can result in rapid weight loss, helping you get your health concerns under control quickly Trusetd Source Checkbox Trusted Source Duodenal Switch (PBD-DS) Columbia Surgery Go to Source without a high risk of developing dumping syndrome. With a much smaller stomach, you get full faster. Not to mention, the path your food must travel is much shorter, resulting in less calorie absorption.

Suppressed Appetite: Though the surgery won’t completely eliminate your desire to eat, it will help control your appetite. The procedure reduces the “hunger hormone” ghrelin.

Preparing For Duodenal Switch Surgery

Preparing for a duodenal switch surgery at Garden State Bariatrics involves a comprehensive approach to ensure optimal outcomes. Firstly, potential candidates undergo thorough medical evaluations, including laboratory tests, to assess their overall health and suitability for the procedure. Patients are then guided through a pre-operative nutrition and diet education, where they learn about the necessary dietary adjustments before and after the surgery. This preparation often includes a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet to promote weight loss and reduce liver size, which facilitates a safer surgical process. Patients should also cease smoking and avoid NSAID medications, which can increase post-operative complications. It’s crucial to be mentally prepared by understanding the life-long commitment to dietary, vitamin, and mineral supplementation post-surgery. Engaging in regular physical activity, even if it’s mild, and attending support group meetings can also be beneficial. Lastly, ensuring all logistical matters, such as arranging for post-op care and transportation, will help in a smoother recovery.

The Duodenal Switch Procedure

The duodenal switch procedure is performed using two surgical techniques which include:

Restrictive Component: This part of the procedure involves creating a gastric sleeve by reducing the size of the stomach to limit the amount of food and calories that can be ingested. We will divide the stomach vertically and remove two-thirds of it. The remaining stomach is shaped like a banana and is reduced to 8-10 ounces.

Malabsorptive Component: This part of the procedure rearranges the duodenum, or the first part of the small intestine, which separates the flow of food from the Trusetd Source Checkbox Trusted Source Duodenal Switch (PBD-DS) Columbia Surgery. Go to Source flow of digestive juices . The rearrangement causes the food to empty directly into the end of the small intestines, bypassing most of the digestive tract. This results in malabsorption, in which fewer calories and nutrients are absorbed by the body, helping to aid in weight loss.

Duodenal Switch Recovery & Results

After undergoing a duodenal switch surgery at Garden State Bariatrics, patients typically spend 2-3 days in the hospital for monitoring and recovery. Post-surgery, it’s essential to follow a phased dietary approach, beginning with clear liquids and gradually progressing to pureed, soft foods, and eventually regular foods over several weeks. Pain management, vitamin and mineral supplementation, and close nutritional monitoring are integral aspects of the post-operative plan. As the body adjusts, some temporary side effects like nausea, bloating, or changes in bowel habits may be experienced. The results of the surgery are often profound. Patients can expect significant weight loss; the combination of restriction and malabsorption leads to rapid weight loss, with many patients shedding Trusetd Source Checkbox Trusted Source Duodenal Switch Provides Superior Weight Loss in the Super-Obese (BMI ≥50kg/m2) Compared With Gastric Bypass Annals of Surgery Go to Source up to 65-75% of their excess weight. Additionally, many obesity-related health issues, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea, often improve or resolve entirely. Continued follow-up with Garden State Bariatrics’ multidisciplinary team ensures that patients receive the support and guidance necessary to maintain long-term success and well-being. Since there is less absorption of calories and nutrients, monitoring of vitamin levels on a yearly basis is crucial.

Why Choose Garden State Bariatrics For DS Surgery?

Because the duodenal switch procedure is the most complex form of bariatric surgery, you want to be sure you have a caring and trustworthy team of bariatric surgeons looking after you. The highly-skilled surgical team at Garden State Bariatrics is an excellent choice to perform your procedure. Our board-certified surgeons have received extensive training in this bariatric surgical procedures and know how to handle any complication should one arise during or after the procedure. Our facilities in Toms River, Browns Mills, and Milburn, NJ are equipped with the latest technology and equipment to aid in successful surgery. Please contact us to schedule a consultation and learn about your weight loss options.

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FAQs About Duodenal Switch Surgery

How does the duodenal switch differ from other bariatric surgeries?

The duodenal switch is unique because it combines two techniques: stomach restriction (like a sleeve gastrectomy) and a bypass of the small intestine (similar to gastric bypass). This dual approach often results in higher weight loss percentages compared to other procedures.

Are there any nutritional concerns post-surgery?

Yes. Because the duodenal switch affects nutrient absorption, patients must adhere to a strict vitamin and mineral supplementation regimen to prevent deficiencies.

Can the duodenal switch be reversed?

The duodenal switch procedure isn’t entirely reversible due to the removal of part of the stomach. However, the intestinal segment of the operation can be reversed.

Does duodenal switch surgery have any risks?

As with any surgery, duodenal switch surgery can present some risk of complications. However, your doctor will be able to tell you more about how these can be avoided and what to expect during the surgery and for your follow-up healthcare so you can be sure you’re prepared. With the right team of doctors on your side, you can feel confident before your procedure. Some of the possible downfalls of the duodenal switch technique include:

Complex Procedure: Because duodenal switch surgery involves two components, it’s more complicated than other bariatric procedures. This can create more risk for potential problems and other concerns.

Only Partially Reversible: The duodenal switch is not fully reversible since this procedure involves removing a portion of the stomach. The intestinal portion of the surgery, however, can be reversed.

Possible Deficiencies: While the procedure helps you absorb fewer calories by shortening the distance food travels, this also means your body will have less opportunity to absorb essential vitamins and minerals. This can lead to deficiencies so yearly monitoring of vitamin levels is essential after this surgery.

More Frequent Bowel Movements: Similar to vitamin deficiencies, the shortened intestine can increase the frequency of bowel movements, including a very rare side effect of diarrhea. This is generally caused by fatty foods and may be managed by diet alterations.

1 Johns Hopkins Medicine. BPD/DS Weight-Loss Surgery. Available: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/bpdds-weightloss-surgery. Accessed August 18, 2021.
2 Cleveland Clinic. BARIATRIC SURGERY MAY CURE TYPE 2 DIABETES IN SOME PATIENTS. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21153-bariatric-weight-loss-surgery-for-treating-diabetes. Accessed August 18, 2021.
3 Columbia Surgery. Duodenal Switch (PBD-DS). Available: https://columbiasurgery.org/conditions-and-treatments/duodenal-switch-bpd-ds. Accessed August 18, 2021.
4 Columbia Surgery. Duodenal Switch (PBD-DS). Available: https://columbiasurgery.org/conditions-and-treatments/duodenal-switch-bpd-ds. Accessed August 18, 2021.
5 Annals of Surgery. Duodenal Switch Provides Superior Weight Loss in the Super-Obese (BMI ≥50kg/m2) Compared With Gastric Bypass. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1856567/. Accessed August 19, 2021.

The Doctors at Garden State Bariatrics have either authored or reviewed and approved this content. Page Updated:

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