Loop Duodenal Switch
The laparoscopic loop duodenal switch combines two bariatric surgeries. First, a sleeve gastrectomy will be performed, which reduces the size of the stomach to a thin strip (the “sleeve”). This restricts the amount of food that can be consumed in one sitting and allows the patient to feel fuller faster. For some patients, this alone is enough to achieve the desired results, but for those that don’t the procedure will be followed up at a later date with a duodenal switch.
The duodenal switch procedure reroutes food so that it bypasses a significant portion of the small bowel, preventing your body from absorbing as much fat and calories. This combination of two bariatric surgeries results in dramatic weight loss results—typically 80 to 85 percent of excess weight. It is only recommended for patients who need significant weight loss in a short amount of time.
Is This Procedure Right for Me?
When used appropriately, the laparoscopic loop duodenal switch can significantly improve a patient’s health and body fat percentage. Around 95 percent of patients experience an improvement in quality of life and resolve obesity-related health conditions. Mobility and energy are usually greatly improved as well.
Some benefits of this procedure include:
- Rapid and significant weight loss
- Can quickly resolve obesity-related health concerns
- Weight loss results stick for most patients
- Unlike Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, this procedure does not have a risk of dumping syndrome (symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea and lightheadedness that occur when food travels too quickly from the stomach to the duodenum)
