Carl's Success Story
duodenal switch
CARL'S DUODENAL SWITCH SURGERY
at Emerson's Center for Weight Loss
Suffering from obesity is often challenging because it affects a person’s physical and emotional health.
Emerson’s Center for Weight Loss has a unique approach with patients. With respect and expertise,
staff treat every patient as an individual and work hard to help them meet their goals. The surgeons use
advanced approaches to treat obesity and provide patients with the best possible outcomes for a
healthy life.
Sometimes, years after their initial bariatric surgery, patients may experience weight regain or
complications. These challenges can happen due to the surgery type, how the patient’s body acclimates
to the changes, and nutrition and exercise habits. When this happens, patients often do not know
where to turn for help or realize that new options are available for healthy, long-term success.
Emerson’s Center for Weight Loss is one of the only bariatric surgery programs in New England that
treats patients with complex issues based on prior surgeries.
Emerson’s Center for Weight Loss is one of the only bariatric surgery programs in New England that
treats patients with complex issues based on prior surgeries.
Emerson’s team is experienced with using modern methods for revisional bariatric procedures — with
great success. Like they did with Carl Campbell (pictured).
Carl, age 55, of Kingston, New Hampshire, called the Emerson Surgical Weight Loss team recently to
say: “Thank you for saving my life.”
In March 2021, he had a duodenal switch procedure at Emerson, performed by bariatric surgeon David
Lautz, MD, FACS, FASMBS, medical director of Emerson’s Center for Weight Loss.
Duodenal switch is a type of weight loss surgery that is more powerful than traditional gastric bypass.
It is appropriate for patients who have never had bariatric surgery as well as patients like Carl, who
need a stronger option than their original gastric bypass surgery.
WHY CARL CAME TO EMERSON
In 2005, Carl had gastric bypass surgery at a different hospital with another surgeon. Over the years,
he regained nearly 200 pounds.
“When I met him, he was suffering from medical problems, including falling asleep in the middle of the
day due to sleep apnea,” explains Dr. Lautz. After a thorough assessment, Dr. Lautz determined Carl
needed duodenal switch surgery.
“For those who regain a significant amount of weight after a gastric bypass, often the most effective
option is to convert the bypass to a duodenal switch. Conversion entails two operations spaced three
to six months apart. These procedures can be remarkably effective for patients who have no other
options.”
“My breathing and sleeping were bad. I am a retired semipro football player with eight children and 10
grandchildren. I own a construction company and was in the midst of our busiest year ever. I needed to
get my life back,” says Carl.
A NEW LEASE ON A HEALTHY LIFE
“Scrolling through Facebook one day, I saw a story about how a person’s life improved because of
weight loss surgery at Emerson. I did not even finish reading the story. I picked up the phone and called
Emerson’s Center for Weight Loss. The person who answered really listened to me and talked about
some options. I booked my first appointment to start the revision process during that call.”
Nine months after his duodenal switch surgery, Carl is down 182 pounds. He currently weighs 232,
sleeps well, and lives life to the fullest.
