Duodenal Switch

Duodenal Switch Surgery

duodenal switch surgery in denton texasThe Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch – abbreviated as BPD/DS – is a procedure with two components. First, a smaller, tubular stomach pouch is created by removing a portion of the stomach, very similar to the sleeve gastrectomy. Next, a large portion of the small intestine is bypassed. BPD/DS is a complex procedure that combines the restrictive and malabsorptive elements of weight loss surgery.

The Duodenal Switch Procedure

The duodenum, or the first portion of the small intestine, is divided just past the outlet of the stomach. A segment of the distal (last portion) small intestine is then brought up and connected to the outlet of the newly created stomach, so that when the patient eats, the food goes through a newly created tubular stomach pouch and empties directly into the last segment of the small intestine. Roughly three-fourths of the small intestine is bypassed by the food stream.

The bypassed small intestine, which carries the bile and pancreatic enzymes that are necessary for the breakdown and absorption of protein and fat, is reconnected to the last portion of the small intestine so that they can eventually mix with the food stream. Similar to the other surgeries described above, the BPD/DS initially helps to reduce the amount of food that is consumed; however, over time this effect lessens and patients are able to eventually consume near “normal” amounts of food. Unlike the other procedures, there is a significant amount of small bowel that is bypassed by the food stream.

Additionally, the food does not mix with the bile and pancreatic enzymes until very far down the small intestine. This results in a significant decrease in the absorption of calories and nutrients (particularly protein and fat) as well as nutrients and vitamins dependent on fat for absorption (fat soluble vitamins and nutrients). Lastly, the BPD/DS, similar to the gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, affects guts hormones in a manner that impacts hunger and satiety as well as blood sugar control. The BPD/DS is considered to be the most effective surgery for the treatment of diabetes among those that are described here.

Advantages of Duodenal Switch Surgery

  1. Results in greater weight loss than RYGB, LSG, or AGB, i.e. 60 – 70% percent excess weight loss or greater, at 5 year follow up
  2. Allows patients to eventually eat near “normal” meals
  3. Reduces the absorption of fat by 70 percent or more
  4. Causes favorable changes in gut hormones to reduce appetite and improve satiety
  5. Is the most effective against diabetes compared to RYGB, LSG, and AGB

Disadvantages of Duodenal Switch Surgery

  1. Has higher complication rates and risk for mortality than the AGB, LSG, and RYGB
  2. Requires a longer hospital stay than the AGB or LSG
  3. Has a greater potential to cause protein deficiencies and long-term deficiencies in a number of vitamin and minerals, i.e. iron, calcium, zinc, fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin D
  4. Compliance with follow-up visits and care and strict adherence to dietary and vitamin supplementation guidelines are critical to avoiding serious complications from protein and certain vitamin deficiencies

You should consider Duodenal Switch Surgery if you

  • Are a diabetic or have hypertension, the DS is the surgical weight loss procedure most likely to impact diabetes and hypertension.
  • Are determined to prevent weight regain, the DS has the best rate of maintaining weight loss.
  • Had a previous procedure (Lap band, gastric bypass or sleeve) and regained weight.
  • Want to lose a lot of weight (BMI > 45), compared to other weight loss procedures, the DS is generally the procedure that is most successful at helping people lose the most weight.
  • Willing to comply with daily, life long vitamin intake and close medical follow up every year.

Schedule an online appointment for Duodenal Switch in Denton / Dallas / Frisco, TX

At Texas Health Bariatric Center in Flower Mound, Texas, you can schedule an online appointment for Duodenal Switch Surgery right from our website. Want to talk in person? You can call the Texas Health Bariatric Center at (469) 322-7174.