Duodenal Switch Surgery

Gastric sleeve or vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) is a restrictive form of weight loss surgery that promotes weight loss by reducing the size of the stomach and by limiting the food intake and by reducing food cravings. Gastric sleeve surgery has gained lot of popularity in the recent years as one of the most successful form of Bariatric surgery. In most cases, gastric sleeve surgery is followed by the second procedure, gastric sleeve duodenal switch.

Gastric sleeve duodenal switch is completely safe and the purpose behind this second procedure is to provide safe weight loss surgery especially for the high-risk patients or those having co-morbidities like high blood pressure, heart problems etc. Also, gastric sleeve duodenal switch is considered to be safe for patients whose body mass index is greater than 50 or suffering from other health conditions.

During gastric sleeve surgery procedure, about 80% of the part of stomach is reduced leaving a small sleeve or tube like structure and thus reducing the overall size of the stomach. Thus, this procedure limits the amount of food intake and control food carvings by inhibiting the hormone Ghrelin that is responsible for producing hunger cravings. This surgery is performed laparoscopically and also least complicated surgery therefore, it is safer than other form of surgery.

In the initial stage of gastric bypass surgery i.e. after six to twelve months of surgery, patient expected to lose about 30 to 50% of the weight loss. Then, in second stage, gastric sleeve is followed with the gastric sleeve duodenal switch that involves rerouting of the intestine. The success and duration of the second procedure depends upon the rate of weight loss achieved through the first procedure.

Overall, gastric sleeve is a safer weight loss procedure for patients whose BMI is more than 60. It is reported that typically patient lose about 60-70% of their excess weight following surgery. There is least chance to develop ulcers, or dumping syndrome as the pyloric valve remains intact. For long term weight loss results, Gastric sleeve is followed with duodenal switch surgery and is in comparatively successful for patient with higher BMI.