Duodenal Switch

A duodenal switch, or biliopancreatic diversion with a duodenal switch (BPD-DS), is a weight-loss surgical procedure used to treat severe obesity. The procedure involves two main components: sleeve gastrectomy and intestinal rearrangement. 

The procedure removes a large portion of the stomach creating a smaller, banana-shaped pouch which restricts the amount of food that can be eaten. Then, the intestinal rearrangement part of the procedure creates a loop in the small intestine which limits the amount of calories the body can absorb and helps to reduce the amount of food needed to feel full.

A duodenal switch, or biliopancreatic diversion with a duodenal switch (BPD-DS)

5 IMPORTANT POINTS ABOUT DUODENAL SWITCH SURGERY :

  1. Dual Procedure. Duodenal Switch combines a Gastric Sleeve procedure with an intestinal bypass which significantly limits calorie absorption and food intake
  2. High Weight Loss. The Duodenal Switch is one of the most effective bariatric surgeries for achieving significant and sustained weight loss , especially in individuals with severe obesity
  3. Metabolic Benefits. The procedure is highly effective in improving or resolving metabolic conditions, such as type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. 
  1. Nutritional Considerations. Due to the significant malabsorption caused by the intestinal bypass, patients must commit to lifelong vitamin and mineral supplementation to avoid deficiencies.
  2. Complex Surgery. Duodenal Switch is a more complex and longer procedure than other bariatric surgeries which can result in a higher risk of complications but also offers superior long-term results for appropriate candidates

Benefits of a duodenal switch

Significant and Sustained Weight-Loss: The combination of reducing food intake with a change in absorption of nutrients helps people to lose a substantial amount of excess weight.

Improved Metabolic Health: This surgery can lead to improvements or resolutions of obesity-related health conditions like type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and sleep apnea. 

Long-term Weight-Loss: The duodenal switch maintains long-term weight loss for many patients by restricting the amount of food consumed and changing the amount of nutrients that can be absorbed. 

Reduced Health Problems: The surgery reduces the risk of developing serious obesity-related health problems such as heart disease, stroke and certain cancers. The surgery and weight-loss can also help with joint problems and infertility.