Duodenal Switch

Prior to starting weight loss surgery, consult your physician or healthcare professional.

Also referred to as Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/BS), Dudoenal Switch surgery is a typically open operative procedure. The Duodenal Switch uses a combination of food intake restriction, and a high degree of mal-absorption. While it has been successful, the heavy reliance of mal-absorption and potential for complications in the procedure has lead to some controversy in the medical community, resulting in some insurance companies to consider it investigational and will not authorize it.

In Duodenal Switch surgery, approximately

two-thirds of the stomach is removed and the intestines are rearranged in such a way that the area where food is mixes with the digestive juices is much shorter. The duodenum is then divided in such a way that the pancreatic and bile drainage can then be bypassed. Because this is a pyloric saving procedure, the "dumping syndrome" which is common to most gastric bypass surgeries is then avoided. The resulting weight loss can occur quickly, and can continue for 18 to 24 months following the procedure. The average weight loss is patients was between 75-80% of excess weight.