Benefits of Duodenal Switch

The numerous benefits of Duodenal Switch further enhance the superiority of this weight loss surgery when compared to other procedures. These benefits include post-op successful and long term excess weight loss (EWL), resolution of obesity related comorbidities, and improved quality of life.

Better Success

Dr. Douglas Hess et al. [1] reported that of 161 patients more than 10 years after Duodenal Switch, 94% maintained successful EWL. Failure, defined at less than 20% EWL, was only 1%.

In Dr. Picard Marceau's et al. [2] study of 1,356 DS patients, 82% achieved success. Failure, defined at less than 25% EWL, was only 1%.

Dr. Gary Anthone [9] reported 73% successful EWL among his duodenal switch patients with a pre-op BMI > 50.

Greater Excess Weight Loss

Dr. Picard Marceau et al. [2] reported that of 1,356 DS patients over a 15 year span, the EWL was 77% for patients followed for less than 5 years (n 618); 69.4% for patients followed 5 - 10 years (n 451), and 68.9% for the group followed for more than 10 years (n 284).

Hess et al. [1] reported the average excess weight loss at 10 years for 167 of his patients was 75%.

Superior Resolution of Comorbidities

Dr. Douglas Hess et al. [1] reported type 2 diabetics have had a 98% cure (i.e. became euglycemic) a few weeks after surgery. For more information on how DS surgery can have such a quick result see the metabolic effect of our section on the Duodenal Switch Procedure.

In a study by Bushwald et al [58] the following observations were reported on the resolution of obesity comorbidities following the Duodenal Switch procedure and demonstrate the benefits of Duodenal Switch.

• Type 2 Diabetes 99%
  
• Hyperlipidemia 99%
  
• Hypertension 83%
  
• Sleep Apnea 92%

Improved Quality of Life

A DS patient's stomach tends to be bigger than our RNY and Lap Band friends. The reason is that our weight loss is maintained through malabsorption rather than caloric restriction and because of our increased protein requirement, since we malabsorb 40%, we need more room to consume 100 g of protein a day. We also don't dump because our pylorus remains in use so there are no food's we "can't" eat. With this freedom comes responsibility. You need to eat protein based meals following surgery to stay healthy.