Single anastomosis duodenal-ileal (SADI) is a type of bariatric surgery that has helped many people to lose weight. This procedure is unique from other forms of bariatric surgery because it combines two types of bariatric surgery into one procedure, minimizing risk and potentially stimulating better outcomes for patients. It is critical to know what this procedure is, how it occurs, and what the pros and cons of it are compared to other bariatric weight loss options.
SADI Bariatric Surgery Overview
Two separate techniques are performed with SADI surgery: gastric sleeve surgery and gastric bypass surgery. This is considered a very aggressive method of weight loss, often reserved for severely overweight people with a BMI of 50 or higher. It may be beneficial to those who have had a gastric sleeve procedure but have not had enough success with it.
This procedure involves several steps through a laparoscopic or minimally invasive process. It provides for two specific goals: restrictive weight loss and malabsorptive weight loss.
How It Is Performed
In this procedure, your weight loss surgeon will follow these steps:
- Remove about 80% of the stomach. This creates a small tube-shaped sleeve where food will be digested.
- The top portion of the small intestine called the duodenum, is separated. This is done just below the stomach area.
- The duodenum is then attached to the lower section of the small intestine. This shortens the amount of intestine the body will use by about half.
This process leads to a significant decrease in the calories the body absorbs during the digestion process. Patients will then follow a very specific nutritionally balanced diet to help with the weight loss.
Cost
The cost of SADI surgery is dependent on many factors. In the US, you can expect to pay anywhere from $16,000 up to $22,000 for the procedure. There are some health insurance plans that may provide coverage for some or all of this cost. The cost of SADI is typically higher than gastric bypass procedures, which are usually priced around $15,000 in the US.
Weight Loss
The amount of weight loss a person has after SADI bariatric surgery can range widely. Studies indicate that individuals can lose as much as 80% of their body weight by having this procedure. Other organizations report a higher weight loss percentage.
It is important to note that most of the weight loss occurs during the first months through month 18. However, people who are years out from the surgery continue to lose weight and maintain it, according to some research.
Pros of SADI Surgery
The use of SADI procedures over other forms of weight loss surgery offers some significant benefits.
- In most situations, it is an effective resolution for type 2 diabetes. Many people also see significant improvement in other health factors, including heart disease. It likely will reduce the presence of comorbid conditions in many people.
- The average person will lose a significant amount of weight. Some studies indicate that this is between 70% and 80% of their weight.
- It can be performed after sleeve gastronomy. This is beneficial to those who have the sleeve procedure but do not get the results they need or expect from it.
Cons of SADI Surgery
There are numerous concerns regarding this procedure, and it may not be right for those who are under a specific BMI (50). Some of the disadvantages of choosing this procedure include:
- A high risk for vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Because of the much smaller area in which the body absorbs calories, it can lead to serious injury to patients who do not get enough healthy nutrients.
- It is more expensive. As a result, it can be harder to obtain this surgery in the US if you do not have health insurance, or many health insurance companies will deny coverage of SADI until the sleeve gastronomy procedure has failed.
- Some people may not see benefits. There are some procedures that do not provide the desired outcome.
Risks
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing SADI surgery for weight loss is the risk to your health. Like all weight loss surgeries, SADI comes with numerous potential risks to patients. Consider the following:
- Common underconsumption of key nutrients. This specifically includes Vitamins A, D, E, K, and Vitamin B12. Many people also struggle with a lack of minerals and must take supplements for the rest of their lives to compensate for this.
- There is a high risk of developing kidney stones. Some of these can be painful and may result in the need for surgery.
- Some people have developed internal hernias or have suffered a bowel obstruction after the procedure. This is more than some gastric bypass procedures, though the risks tend to be lower than Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.
- Many people struggle with reflux after this procedure.
Benefits
Researchers continue to monitor patients who have undergone SADI to determine what outcomes are likely across the board. However, SADI has had numerous positive results and has been effective across research programs, indicating it is well worth the consideration. Consider some of the benefits of having this procedure over other types of weight loss methods.
- It is an innovative weight to help people who are severely obese to gain a chance at a healthy lifestyle and healthy weight.
- It may help people to see significant improvement in their health, including reducing the presence and symptoms of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and cancers related to being overweight.
- Some research indicates that it is very effective at reducing appetite while also stimulating the metabolism.
- There is no additional risk of hernias or ulcers compared to other procedures.
For all of these reasons, SADI bariatric surgery could be an ideal choice for many people looking for a way to lose weight quickly and significantly. However, to minimize the risk of malnutrition, it must be done under the guidance and careful supervision of a bariatric surgeon.
