Weight Loss Surgery

The Loop Duodenal Switch is a restrictive and mal-absorptive procedure for patients that weight approximately 300 pounds or more.  This is a non-reversible procedure that limits the amount of food consumed and decreases the absorption of carbs and sugars.  

This surgery is not to be confused with the Gastric By Pass, or the Duodenal Switch.  The Gastric Bypass is an older surgery that was seriously mal-absorptive.  The Loop Duodenal Switch leaves much more of the small intestine, allowing for more absorption of vitamins and nutrition.

It is imperative that the patient is committed to perfect compliance in taking a certain set of vitamins and protein every day for the rest of their lives. 

Loop Duodenal Switch Advantages

• 80%-100% excess weight loss within 2 years
• Reduces the absorption of fat by 70% or more
• Causes favorable changes in gut hormones to reduce appetite and improve satiety (hunger satisfaction)
• Allows patients to eventually eat near “normal meals”

Loop Duodenal Switch Disadvantages

• Non-reversible
• Has the potential for long-term vitamin deficiencies
• Has a higher complication rate 

What results can you expect with Loop Duodenal Switch?

• Permanent and rapid weight loss
• Reverse Type II Diabetes in some patients
• Long-term weight loss with fewer complications and malnutrition risks

Adjustable gastric banding is a safe and healthy weight loss procedure that helps patients achieve long-term weight loss goals. In this procedure, the surgeon places a band around the upper part of the stomach, effectively reducing the stomach’s size so that patients are able to eat smaller meals while still enjoying a sense of fullness. The procedure is adjustable and reversible.

There are several benefits to adjustable gastric banding. 

• No resection of the stomach means the procedure is adjustable and reversible. There is no permanent anatomical change.
• No vitamin or mineral deficiencies due to malabsorption.
• No anastomoses – or rerouting – of the intestinal tract.
• No protein-calorie malabsorption.

Risks include:

• Risk of slippage or band erosion, which may necessitate a second operation.
• Risk of mechanical failure, due to port or tubing leakage.
• Routine follow-up adjustments are required.

What results can you expect with Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding?

• 42% average excess weight loss 1 year after surgery
• 55% average excess weight loss 5 years after surgery
• Remarkably low postsurgical mortality rate of 0.05%
• Low “early complications” rate of 1.5% (compared to up to 25.5% with Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass)
• Many patients will be able to adjust or stop taking their blood pressure medications, type 2 diabetic medications, or quit their use of sleep apnea masks.