Converting from a gastric sleeve to a duodenal switch is a relatively low-risk procedure that can help many who are trying to lose weight. Read on to learn about the sleeve gastrectomy procedure, duodenal switch surgery, and the reasons why you might consider the procedure.
If you would like to know how weight loss surgery could help you, feel free to book a consultation with Dr. Movitz at the Detroit Weight Loss Center in Commerce Charter Twp or Southfield, Michigan. We look forward to helping you reach your goals!
Sleeve gastrectomy (or vertical sleeve gastrectomy) is a surgical method for weight loss that is commonly carried out using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques. This involves inserting small instruments through several tiny incisions in the upper abdomen. In the process, approximately 80% of the stomach is removed, resulting in a tube-shaped stomach that resembles the size and form of a banana.
By reducing the stomach size, this procedure limits food intake, thus aiding in weight loss. Additionally, the surgery induces hormonal shifts that contribute to weight reduction. These hormonal changes also play a role in alleviating conditions linked to excess weight, such as high blood pressure or heart disease.
At times, patients may need revisional bariatric surgery after having had a sleeve gastrectomy. This procedure corrects or improves prior weight loss surgery. It may involve switching to one of the other bariatric procedures available, such as a duodenal switch or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.
Revision surgery may be needed for the following reasons:
Duodenal switch surgery is a bariatric surgery that modifies your stomach and small intestine. It involves an intestinal bypass, which means the food you eat passes through less of your small intestine.
This reduces how much nutrition your small intestine can absorb from your food, making it a “malabsorptive” procedure. The procedure will also decrease the amount of hunger hormones your small intestine can produce, helping you control your appetite.
The main reason why you would convert from a gastric sleeve to a duodenal switch is to help achieve additional weight loss.
Converting a gastric sleeve to a duodenal switch is a minimally invasive procedure that is done laparoscopically. This means that your surgeon will access your abdomen through tiny incisions.
Your surgeon will divide the duodenum. The surgeon then divides the ileum (small intestines). The surgeon then connects the duodenum to the ileum and makes another connection with the intestines, draining digestive enzymes and bile. The new connections will allow food to bypass a large part of the small intestine.
After the surgical procedure, you will spend a couple of days in the hospital and a couple of weeks at home before you’re ready to return to work.
Following a duodenal switch procedure, you will initially be on a liquids-only diet. This will allow your stomach and intestines some time to heal from the surgery. Gradually, you will transition from liquids to pureed foods. As your body adapts, you’ll then introduce soft foods and eventually advance to firmer foods based on your tolerance level.
You will need to adapt your diet after surgery, with certain limits on some foods and avoiding others. You will also need to take vitamin and mineral supplements, including bariatric multivitamins and calcium.
For several months after surgery, your health will be monitored to ensure you get the right amount of nutrition in your diet. Your doctor may request lab testing, blood tests, and other exams. Long-term follow-up is also recommended.
Duodenal switch surgery can help you achieve rapid weight loss. As your body adapts, you may experience the following:
Patients who have had duodenal switch surgery can lose 70 to 80 percent of their excess weight within 2 years. How much weight you lose will depend on what changes you make to your lifestyle habits.
Additional benefits of the duodenal switch include effective improvement or remission of the following health conditions related to a high body mass index:
Contact the Detroit Weight Loss Center in Commerce Charter Township or Southfield, MI to see how converting to a duodenal switch can help you. Dr. Blake Movitz offers several weight loss treatments, including medical weight loss, sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and duodenal switch surgery. Book your appointment today!
Medically reviewed by Dr. Blake Movitz, MD, FACS
Dr. Blake Movitz
Fellowship trained from the Mayo Clinic in Minimally Invasive Advanced GI Surgery, Complex Endoscopy and Bariatric Surgery.
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