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The University of Vermont Medical Center offers laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with duodenal switch as a weight loss surgery option for patients looking to dramatically reduce their weight.
What is the Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy with Duodenal Switch?
The laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with duodenal switch combines two bariatric surgeries. First, 75-85% of the stomach is removed reducing the size of the stomach and the amount of the appetite hormone, ghrelin that is produced. The new pouch, referred to as the "sleeve", can hold between 3-5 ounces. This restricts the amount of food that can be eaten at any one time and reduces hunger. Next, the small bowel is rearranged, bypassing a significant portion of the small bowel, which results in malabsorption. This is referred to as the "duodenal switch" portion of the surgery.
The laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with duodenal switch results in a dramatic weight loss of 80-85% of excess body weight. This surgery is especially good for people who have a great deal of weight to lose or have significant comorbid conditions requiring quicker resolution.
What are the health benefits of Sleeve Gastrectomy with Duodenal Switch surgery?
Most individuals experience additional health benefits from gastric sleeve surgery. In 95% of patients the quality of life improved and obesity-related health conditions (called "comorbidities") were resolved or improved. In addition mobility and energy are usually greatly improved.
Bariatric surgery has also been shown to resolve or improve obesity-related health conditions (comorbidities), including:
- Type 2 Diabetes - 82%-98% resolved
- Hypertension - 62%-70% resolved
- Migraines - 57% resolved
- Obstructive sleep apnea - 74%-98% resolved
- Asthma - 69% improved
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the Sleeve Gastrectomy with Duodenal Switch Surgery?
Advantages
- Rapid and large weight loss
- Quicker resolution of comorbid conditions related to obesity
- Increased chance of sustained weight loss
Disadvantages
- Higher risk of nutritional deficiencies requiring careful monitoring and continued supplementation with vitamins and minerals
- Possibility of significant food intolerances especially to sugar and fat.
- Possibility of diarrhea
What are the risks after Sleeve Gastrectomy with Duodenal Switch surgery?
Your surgeon and the Bariatric Surgery team can help you understand the advantages and risks associated with Gastric Sleeve surgery.
It is important to remember that weight loss surgery will only work as well as the amount you invest in adopting a healthy and active lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the effects of the Sleeve Gastrectomy with Duodenal Switch?
- Restricts Eating: During this surgery, a portion of the stomach is removed which produces a hormone that stimulates appetite (ghrelin). This reduces food intake significantly and reduces hunger.
- Decreased Calorie Intake: The intestine is rerouted in a way that calories, especially fats, are not absorbed.
- Dumping Syndrome and Fat Malabsorption: Because the intestine is rerouted, sugars and fats may not be completed digested and absorbed. This can lead to feeling ill after eating these foods or in diarrhea.
How much weight will I lose?
People usually lose 80-85% of their excess body weight 3 years after surgery. For instance, if you weigh 210 lb. above your ideal body weight, you could lose 170 lbs.
How long is the hospital stay?
After laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with duodenal switch, you can expect to stay at The UVM Medical Center for a minimum of 3 nights.
The UVM Medical Center is accredited through the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MSSAQIP) in a joint effort with the ACS.