Weighing in on SADI-S Surgery for Severe Obesity

Did you know there is a comprehensive, dual bariatric surgical procedure? If you've struggled with achieving long-term weight loss success through conventional means, the SADI-S Weight loss surgery may be just what the doctor ordered.

Unfortunately, some of the most popular bariatric surgical procedures are not a good fit for everyone battling the bulge - especially for those whose BMI exceeds that of 50. Thankfully, dedicated weight loss experts have developed an ambitious, safe, and highly-effective surgical procedure that uniquely combines two of the most common weight loss surgeries - gastric sleeve and gastric bypass. Single  Anastomosis Duodenal-Ileal (bypass with sleeve), offers a bevy of bulge-beating benefits for those individuals who have previously found weight loss endeavors to be futile. SADI-S finally offers hope, healing, and renewed health for those who find themselves classified as severely obese.

What is SADI-S Surgery for Extreme Weight Loss? 

SADI-S is a cutting-edge, dual approach of bariatric surgery that combines two different procedures in one to increase the chances of positive, long-term weight loss. Recommended for those with a BMI of 50 or above and who have failed to lose excess weight through traditional diet and exercise, SADI-S often performed as an outpatient procedure by innovative laparoscopic technology for the most desired results, such as: 

• Decreased risk of complications/infections 
• Quicker downtime/recovery process 
• Less scarring 
• More ideal cosmetic outcome 
• Improved probability of weight loss success
• Often completed in under 120 minutes

Step-by-Step: How SADI-S Works to Fight Severe Obesity 

The effects of SADI-S surgery drastically restrict an individual's daily food consumption in a few different ways. Because the gastric sleeve procedure radically restricts the amount of food the newly formed stomach can hold, subsequent caloric intake is limited, and excess weight begins to melt away. Then, the bypass part of the procedure surgically shortens parts of the small intestine, which significantly reduces amounts of food/calories/nutrients the body can effectively absorb. Because the combination of these two powerful weight loss surgeries is performed in succession, the patient will be required to take nutritional supplements daily to receive all the proper nutrients necessary to sustain optimal health. 

Here's how it's done. First, the stomach is permanently reduced by 70-80% through gastric sleeve surgery. The newly, tube-shaped "sleeve" portion that remains will only be able to accommodate roughly 2 ounces of food or drink at any given time. To add a bit of context, a normal-sized stomach can hold up to 2 quarts of food or drink! Moreover, when the stomach is greatly reduced surgically, so is ghrelin (hunger hormone) production. Ghrelin is produced in the stomach and sends signals to the brain when the body is hungry. The less ghrelin produced, the fewer hunger signals sent. 

During the bypass portion of the surgery, parts of the small intestine are "re-routed" to connect to the new, smaller-sized stomach. Normal digestive processes involve the small intestine being able to absorb normal to large amounts of food/nutrients at any given time (with some exceptions, of course). Following surgery, once food leaves the re-sized stomach, it will bypass a significant portion of the small intestine so the body can absorb considerably fewer calories/nutrients from the food consumed. Depending on the patient, SADI may be performed as one procedure or as two separate procedures performed on different days. 

SADI Quick Facts 

Here is a brief overview of the benefits of undergoing SADI surgery to fight extreme obesity: 

• Recommended for those with a BMI of 50 or higher (also referred to as class 3 obesity with at least 100 pounds of excess weight) 
• Patients can expect to lose 80-100% of excess weight, which is nearly more than that of gastric bypass or gastric sleeve surgery alone! 
• Most powerful surgical intervention for weight loss in modern medicine
• Most patients will lose most of their excess weight over 18 months post-op with about half of the total weight loss occurring in the first 6-9 months post-op. 
• Keep in mind, inadequate weight loss and/or regain can occur following any bariatric surgical procedure. 

Though rare, the following risks have been associated with SADI Surgery: 

• Infection 
• Anatomical teaks Anastamotic leaks 
• Acid reflux/GI issues 
• Bile reflux 
• Intestinal perforation 
• Abscesses 
• Venous thrombosis 
• Pulmonary embolism 

Benefits of Undergoing SADI Surgery 

As with any weight loss treatment, patients can enjoy the following health-boosting benefits: 

• Reversal/decreased risk of common diseases related to obesity, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, heart attack, stroke, sleep apnea, joint pain, limited mobility
• Improved metabolism 
• Decreased appetite 
• Improved outlook and enhanced quality of life 
• When performed laparoscopically, surgery usually takes under two hours with an hour spent in recovery. 
• Most patients can return to work and their normal activities within 2-4 weeks without restrictions or complications. 

A 2021 landmark study showed SADI-S patients displayed an impressive 79.8% excess weight loss 31 months following their surgery. 

What to Expect Post SADI-S Surgery 

Due to the complex nature of the SADI-S surgery for extreme weight loss, patients should expect to implement an entire lifestyle overhaul and be committed to lifelong healthy eating and exercising habits to retain desired results. Here are just a few lifestyle changes patients should expect to adopt: 

• Very small meals that are protein-rich and low in fats and carbohydrates
• Taking time to fully chew food before swallowing (mechanical digestion starts in the mouth)
• Limiting sugar and alcohol intake
• Staying hydrated
• Taking daily supplements, especially vitamins A, D, E & K
• For the first month following surgery, patients should expect to consume a liquid-only diet to help heal the stomach, while helping the body to stay hydrated
• After a month of consuming protein-rich shakes and smoothies, patients will be able to consume soft foods, such as scrambled eggs, hot cereals, hummus, and tuna or chicken salad made with mayonnaise, to begin re-introducing solids back into the body. 
• After 4-6 weeks post-op, patients can finally return to enjoying full, well-balanced meals with an emphasis on protein at each meal. Integrating raw, fibrous fruits and veggies is highly recommended to get the pipes flowing
• As previously stated, patients should expect to adhere to a lifelong commitment of consuming nutritional supplements daily without exception

Are you a Candidate for SADI Surgery? 

If you have a BMI of 50 or over and have found past attempts of traditional diet and exercise to be unsuccessful, you may be an excellent candidate for the groundbreaking SADI weight loss surgery. If you reside in the greater Los Angeles area, we invite you to contact Dr. Feiz' office today to schedule a consultation to discuss your current health status and future weight loss goals. Dr. Feiz and his talented team of accomplished weight loss surgeons, dietitians, and counselors are here to help you realize your weight loss goals - for the long-term. We look forward to kickstarting your health journey.