First Bariatric Surgeon to Perform Duodenal Switch Surgery in Colorado

Nov. 19, 2014 - PRLog -- A duodenal switch procedure is a form of weight loss surgery that unites two different elements common in other forms of weight-loss surgery. In the past, the Duodenal Switch Surgery has not been as common as other weight loss surgery techniques like gastric bypass, gastric sleeve and lap band surgery.  Recent innovations in minimally invasive surgical techniques have refined the surgery. Now the Duodenal Switch Surgery is much safer than in years past and with high long term success rates.

One side of the procedure involves a restrictive alteration to the digestive tract, limiting the amount of food a patient can ingest. The bariatric surgeon removes up to 70 percent of the patient’s stomach, similar to the gastric sleeve procedure.

The other side of the procedure changes the structure of the digestive tract. A portion of the small intestine is re-routed to reduce the body’s absorption of food.  At the connection with the bypassed portion of the small intestine, the two pathways merge and the bypassed portion can continue to assist in digestion by delivering fluids necessary for proper digestion.

This dual-sided approach addresses two different options common in bariatric surgery. Patients who undergo a duodenal switch procedure will only be able to consume a fraction of the food they were accustomed to eating, and of that food, only a fraction of it will be absorbed by the body, resulting in rapid weight loss.

Dr. Metz says that duodenal switch weight loss surgery is saving lives, but it’s up to the patient to want to make the change. “We’re seeing an over 80% success rate and it’s fantastic,” says Dr. Metz. “The Duodenal Switch has, on average, a higher long term success rate than any of the other procedures”, “But the hardest thing is getting patients in the door and admitting they need some help.”

The procedure is showing amazing results and is responsible for the near elimination of type 2 diabetes in some patients. On average, participants who undergo duodenal switch maintain a 79% loss of excess body weight after 2 years. Duodenal switch patients are also more likely to have control of obesity-related conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnea after surgery, especially among participants who started out with a BMI greater than 50.

About Dr. Metz: Dr. Metz is a board-certified, fellowship-trained bariatric surgeon. Additionally, Dr. Metz has been certified as a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence Surgeon by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons. In this capacity, Dr. Metz has completed specialized training and continuing education in bariatric surgery as well as performed a high number of surgeries each year. Dr. Metz has also been named a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

Before coming to Rose Medical Center, Dr. Metz performed over 300 Advanced Laparoscopic and Endoscopic procedures. Since arriving in Denver in 2007, he has performed more than 1,500 cases, including Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, adjustable gastric banding/lap band, sleeve gastrectomy, single incision laparoscopic procedures, duodenal switch, revisions and advanced endoscopic cases. Dr. Metz's complication rate remains one of the lowest in the region, despite being a surgeon who specializes in high-risk, complex cases. He is best known for his kind demeanor, technical proficiency and compassionate bedside manner.