The objective of this arrangement is to reduce the amount of time the body has to capture calories from food in the small intestine and to selectively limit the absorption of fat.
[2] In a systemic metaanalysis of the weight loss surgical procedures (Buckwald et al.)[Unclear whether this phrase belongs to the preceding or the following sentence.
][3] Type 2 diabetics have had a 98% "cure"[4] (i.e. became euglycemic) almost immediately following surgery, which is due to the metabolic effect from the intestine switch.
The results are so favorable that some surgeons in Europe are performing the "switch" or intestinal surgery on non-obese patients to cure diabetes.
The malabsorptive element of the DS requires that those who undergo the procedure take vitamin and mineral supplements in excess of those needed by the normal population, as do patients having the RNY surgery.
Commonly prescribed supplements include a daily multivitamin, calcium citrate, and the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K.[8] Because gallstones are a common complication of rapid weight loss following any type of weight loss surgery, some surgeons may remove the gall bladder as a preventative measure during the DS or the RNY.
DS patients also have a higher occurrence of smelly flatus and diarrhea, although both can usually be mitigated through diet, including avoiding simple carbohydrates.
Longer term risks include the possibility of vitamin and mineral deficiency, hernia and bowel obstruction.