Are you overweight and considering surgery? Then you probably already know that medical treatment and lifestyle measures provide only modest benefit in most patients. Many patients opt for surgery.
Three different kinds of surgeries are performed, with Lap-Band and the gastric bypass being the most common. Duodenal switch surgery , on the other hand has not gained popularity.
Who should undergo duodenal switch surgery as opposed to bypass? This was answered in a study by Dr. Prachand and colleagues from the University of Chicago. Their findings were published in the journal Annals of Surgery .
Study subjects
350 patients super-obese (BMI greater than 50) who underwent bariatric surgery were included in the study.
Results of weight loss surgery
Duodenal switch resulted in greater total weight loss. In fact, the likelihood of successful excess weight loss greater than 50% was higher for patients who underwent duodenal switch surgery.
Conclusions
Duodenal switch may be a better option for super-obese patients. Bear in mind that no surgery is safe and there have been conflicting reports about the safety and complications due to bariatric surgery. Patients can and rarely do die as a result of complications of bariatric surgery.
NOTE: Research is moving at fast pace and results are individual specific. Your doctor is the best judge.
Do you know of anyone who has had weight loss surgery? How were the results-both short and long term?
