The Loop Duodenal Switch, or Single Anastomotic Duodenal Switch (SADS) procedure is a new variation of the standard Duodenal Switch operation used for weight loss.

Less than 5% of surgeons performed the traditional Duodenal Switch operation because of technical difficulties and nutrition deficiencies. Side effects, like severe diarrhea, made patients nervous to undergo the procedure as well.

Although the Loop Duodenal Switch is based off the idea of the traditional Duodenal Switch procedure,  the surgery has been modified the operation to make it smoother for surgeons and patients, with fewer complications.

During the procedure the upper part of the stomach is removed, creating a banana-shaped sleeve. So, even though the stomach capacity is reduced, the basic function of the stomach is preserved.

The sleeve is then connected to the small bowel between the pyloric valve and common bile duct. Approximately half of the upper part of the upper small intestine is bypassed. Three meters of the lower small bowel are looped and connected to the small bowel.

Unlike in the standard Duodenal Switch operation, there is only one opening between the stomach and small intestine, as opposed to two. The stomach is restricted and absorption is decreased while providing good long-term weight loss with less complications and malnutrition risks.

Dr. Colquitt Answers Your Questions 

Dr. Mark Colquitt and Dr. Jonathan Ray, the bariatric surgeons of Foothills Weight Loss Specialists in Knoxville, are trained in performing the Loop Duodenal Switch procedure.

Dr. Mark Colquitt answers common questions for those considering the Loop Duodenal Switch procedure.

  • Who is an ideal candidate for this surgery?
    The ideal candidate is someone with a BMI of 50 or higher who may suffer from other health problems such as diabetes.
  • How is this operation different from previous weight loss surgeries?
    The Loop Duodenal Switch has the same sleeve used in traditional bariatric surgery, but a bypass is added on to that. This allows more weight loss than the sleeve alone, and also better weight loss results than the bypass alone. The use of both results in less complications after the procedure.
  • What can be expected immediately following surgery?
    Loop Duodenal Switch patients will stay two nights in the hospital after the procedure for monitoring. They may experience some nausea the first day.
  • What are the most common risks?
    Bypassing part of the intestines decreases some of the body’s vitamins and nutrients. This can have a negative effect. For instance, if your Vitamin A is too low, you can actually experience night blindness. This is why it is very important for patients to take all of their vitamins, especially fat soluble vitamins- A, D, E, K, to avoid side effects or malnutrition.
  • What does the diet consist of after surgery?
    Patients will start a liquid diet immediately once they are home from the hospital. One week after leaving the hospital, they are seen for a follow-up appointment. If they are doing well, they can then be advanced to the next phase of the diet – soft proteins. A month after surgery patients are able to start phasing some normal foods back into the diet. They need 80-100 grams of protein a day and must stay away from sodas, sweetened drinks, sugary treats, acidic foods, and high fat. The post-operation diet is mostly high protein, low carb, and low fat.

 

The experts at Foothills Weight Loss Specialists in Knoxville have high expectations for the Loop Duodenal Switch procedure moving forward. “All of the patients we’ve done so far are doing well and are expected to lose more weight in comparison with the other surgeries. We expect a full recovery and great results for all of the patients,” said Dr. Colquitt.

If you are considering weight loss surgery and would like to know if the Loop Duodenal Switch procedure may be an option for you, contact us online or call Foothills Weight Loss Specialists 865-984-3413 for more information.