→ Treatment Overview
Duodenal Switch (DS) Surgery for Obesity in Korea is a highly effective bariatric procedure designed to help patients with severe obesity achieve significant and sustainable weight loss. The procedure combines a sleeve gastrectomy to restrict food intake with an intestinal bypass to reduce calorie and nutrient absorption.
Korean hospitals provide advanced laparoscopic or robotic DS surgery with multidisciplinary care, including nutritional guidance, endocrinology support, and structured post-operative monitoring, making it suitable for both local and international patients.
→ Purpose & Benefits
The main goal is to achieve long-term weight loss and reduce obesity-related health risks.
Key benefits include:
→ Significant and sustained weight loss
→ Improvement in obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia
→ Enhanced metabolic health and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease
→ Minimally invasive surgery options (laparoscopic or robotic) with faster recovery
→ Long-term maintenance of weight and improved quality of life
DS addresses both weight and metabolic health simultaneously, offering dual benefits for patients with obesity.
→ Ideal Candidates
DS surgery is suitable for patients with severe obesity.
Ideal candidates include:
→ Adults with BMI ≥40 or BMI ≥35 with comorbidities
→ Individuals struggling to lose weight through diet, exercise, or previous bariatric surgery
→ Patients with obesity-related metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome
→ Individuals committed to post-operative lifestyle modifications and follow-up
→ International patients seeking advanced bariatric care in Korea
Comprehensive pre-operative assessment ensures safety and personalized surgical planning.
→ Possible Risks & Complications
While DS is highly effective, there are potential risks.
Possible risks include:
→ Surgical complications: bleeding, infection, or leakage
→ Nutritional deficiencies if supplementation is not followed
→ Gastrointestinal issues including diarrhea, bloating, or reflux
→ Dumping syndrome after high-sugar meals
→ Rare complications such as bowel obstruction or marginal ulcers
Structured post-operative monitoring in Korea helps minimize complications.
→ Techniques & Technology Used
Korean hospitals use advanced laparoscopic or robotic techniques to improve surgical outcomes.
Common techniques include:
→ Sleeve gastrectomy combined with intestinal bypass
→ Precise intestinal rerouting to control absorption while maintaining nutrient balance
→ Pre- and post-operative metabolic and hormonal evaluation
→ Digital monitoring of weight, blood sugar, lipid profile, and nutritional markers
→ Multidisciplinary support from surgeons, dietitians, and endocrinologists
Advanced technology ensures precision and reduces surgical risks.
→ Treatment Process in Korea
The DS procedure is structured to optimize safety and effectiveness.
Typical process includes:
→ Pre-operative evaluation including labs, imaging, and metabolic assessment
→ Consultation with bariatric surgeon and multidisciplinary team
→ Laparoscopic or robotic DS surgery under general anesthesia
→ Post-operative monitoring in the hospital with nutritional guidance
→ Discharge with instructions for diet, supplementation, and lifestyle changes
→ Long-term follow-up for weight and metabolic health
International patient coordinators assist with travel, language, and hospital arrangements.
→ Recovery & After-Care
Recovery focuses on healing, nutrition, and metabolic stabilization.
After-care includes:
→ Gradual diet progression: liquids → soft foods → solids
→ Nutritional supplementation to prevent protein, vitamin, and mineral deficiencies
→ Regular monitoring of weight, blood sugar, and lipid levels
→ Exercise and lifestyle counseling
→ Scheduled follow-up visits to detect and manage complications early
Structured after-care is critical for safe recovery and long-term success.
→ Results & Longevity
Patients typically achieve substantial weight loss and improved metabolic health.
Expected outcomes include:
→ Loss of 70–90% of excess body weight within 1–2 years
→ Remission or significant improvement of type 2 diabetes
→ Reduction in hypertension and dyslipidemia
→ Sustained long-term metabolic and weight management
→ Enhanced quality of life and reduced obesity-related health risks
Long-term adherence to diet, supplementation, and follow-up ensures durability of results.
→ Why Korea Is a Top Destination
Korea is a leading destination for advanced bariatric surgery.
Key reasons include:
→ Experienced surgeons skilled in both laparoscopic and robotic DS procedures
→ State-of-the-art surgical technology
→ Comprehensive metabolic, nutritional, and endocrinology support
→ Telemedicine services for international follow-up
→ Competitive pricing with high-quality healthcare standards
Korea combines surgical expertise with patient-centered multidisciplinary care.
→ Cost Range
The cost of Duodenal Switch for Obesity in Korea is competitive.
Estimated cost range:
→ USD 18,000 – USD 28,000
This usually includes surgery, anesthesia, hospital stay, pre- and post-operative evaluation, and follow-up care. Additional services like private rooms or extended monitoring may increase the cost.
→ Popular Clinics in Korea
Several Korean hospitals specialize in DS for obesity:
Common options include:
→ Bariatric centers in Seoul offering comprehensive DS programs
→ University-affiliated hospitals with multidisciplinary metabolic support
→ Private clinics providing international patient services and telemedicine follow-up
These clinics are known for advanced technology, experienced staff, and structured long-term care.
