Gastric Bypass Vs. Duodenal Switch Surgery - Knoxville Weight Loss Surgeon Discusses Differences and Advantages

KNOXVILLE, TN--(Marketwired - Sep 3, 2015) - The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery estimates that 179,000 people had surgical weight loss treatment in 2013. Bariatric surgery procedures are designed to help patients who are suffering from severe obesity lose significant amounts of weight and reduce comorbid conditions (obesity-related health problems such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and others). Dr. Stephen Boyce, a bariatric surgeon in Knoxville and director of the New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery, says two of the most popular bariatric surgery treatments he and Dr. K. Robert Williams perform at the New Life Center are gastric bypass and a procedure called biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, sometimes referred to as duodenal switch surgery. He notes that, while the two procedures have many similarities and are both designed to help patients lose weight in roughly the same way, there are some significant differences between gastric bypass and duodenal switch surgery that potential patients should be aware of.

Gastric bypass and duodenal switch surgery both involve the creation of a smaller stomach pouch and the rerouting of small intestines. The stomach pouch makes it possible for the patient to obtain an earlier feeling of fullness after eating less food at mealtimes, while the new composition of the small intestine allows for a process called malabsorption to take shape. Malabsorption limits the amount of calories, nutrients, and other materials that are absorbed by the body. Ultimately, Dr. Boyce says, these processes are how gastric bypass and duodenal switch procedures help patients lose significant amounts of weight; however, the bariatric surgeon notes that the duodenal switch surgery creates a much larger stomach pouch than the gastric bypass option. This allows for a larger quantity of food intake before the patient feels full, as well as a higher level of malabsorption. Dr. Boyce says duodenal switch procedures can often be very beneficial for patients who are diagnosed as "severely obese," typically those who have a body mass index (BMI) of more than 50.

Dr. Boyce says, while duodenal switch surgery has shown to help patients lose up to 85% of excess weight and achieve a much healthier body weight with long-term results, the procedure is not for everyone. He says the treatment is generally more invasive and complex than a gastric bypass, which leads to a higher degree of risks and a different set of possible side effects. With that in mind, Dr. Boyce notes, both of these weight loss surgery options have shown to offer patients a dramatically effective way to successfully lose weight, reduce or even eliminate comorbidities such as Type 2 diabetes, and start living healthier lifestyles. He says the recovery process from duodenal switch surgery also shares many similarities with what can be expected from a gastric bypass and, since the procedures can often be performed utilizing laparoscopic techniques, residual scarring is typically minimal. 

One of the most important things for people who are considering bariatric surgery to understand, says Dr. Boyce, is that surgical weight loss treatment is ultimately a tool, not a cure. He notes that the procedure itself can serve as a major step, but adherence to a new diet, making sure to take nutritional supplements, and changing lifestyle habits are other vital steps to ensuring safe and successful weight loss. Dr. Boyce says the best way for individuals to determine which bariatric surgery option is best for their needs and goals is to schedule a consultation with an experienced weight loss surgeon who will listen to their concerns and explain all aspects of the available procedures.

About Stephen G. Boyce, MD
The founder of the New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery and the developer of Bari Life Bariatric Supplements, Dr. Stephen G. Boyce holds a Masters Certification in Bariatric Surgery and has performed thousands of surgical weight loss procedures. The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (previously referred to as the American Society for Bariatric Surgery) designated Dr. Boyce's practice as a Center of Excellence® in 2005. Nationally accredited by the MBSAQIP (Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program), the New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery offers all major types of weight loss surgery in addition to a comprehensive support program to help patients lose weight safely and effectively. Dr. Boyce is a member of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. He is available for interview upon request.

About K. Robert Williams, MD
Dr. K. Robert Williams has been with the New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery for nine years. After graduating from the University of Virginia School of Medicine, Dr. Williams completed his general surgery residency at Union Memorial Hospital. He later obtained a fellowship in minimally invasive procedures at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. Dr. Williams is a member of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. He is available for interview upon request.

To learn more about the New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery, please visit newlifebariatricsurgery.com, barilife.com, and facebook.com/newlifecenterbariatricsurgery.

To view the original source of this press release, click here: http://www.newlifebariatricsurgery.com/weight-loss-surgery/gastric-bypass-vs-duodenal-switch-surgery-knoxville-weight-loss-surgeon-discusses-differences-and-advantages