Biliopancreatic Diversion With Duodenal Switch

On this page, you will learn more about biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch surgery; what it is, and how it works. You will also learn about potential complications and benefits this type offers you for weight loss.

Most commonly referred to as the duodenal switch, this procedure is performed less commonly. It is better suited for patients with a high BMI with multiple medical problems, or who have gained weight after previous bariatric surgery.

How Does Duodenal Switch Surgery Work?

Our NYC and NJ duodenal switch procedure is done robotically through several small incisions. This procedure is performed in one stage or two stages depending on patient circumstances. Duodenal switch has restrictive and malabsorptive components that work simultaneously to help you lose significant weight. This rapid weight loss helps with the resolution of many of the diseases that come about due to morbid obesity: diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.

Biliopancreatic Diversion With Duodenal Switch

First Portion

The first portion of the procedure involves creating a sleeve just as is done in the sleeve gastrectomy. We remove 70-80% of your stomach. The portion of the stomach that is removed is the area that makes a hormone called Ghrelin. Ghrelin is the hormone that stimulates feelings of hunger. The surgery also reduces the volume of your stomach, making you feel full more rapidly.

Second Portion

The second portion of the procedure involves rerouting the small intestine. This portion of the procedure is the malabsorptive part. Unlike in gastric bypass, this rerouting connects the last part of the small intestine to the first part of the small intestine just off the stomach. Rerouting or bypassing the small intestine means that the small intestine is not removed, but changed in position- this change means you absorb less of the food you eat.

The average length of the small intestine in an adult is 20 ft or 610 cm. In the duodenal switch, you are only going to absorb your food normally in the last 100 cm of the small intestine. With less small intestine to absorb food, you absorb fewer calories but are at higher risk of malnutrition, dehydration, and problems due to insufficient absorption of vitamins and minerals. All forms of gastric and intestinal surgery carry risk, and this procedure does carry a slightly higher risk. Patients selected to undergo duodenal switch are carefully selected and prepared.

SIPS Bariatric Surgery at New York Bariatric Group

Advantages Of The Duodenal Switch Surgery

The restrictive component of this operation (sleeve gastrectomy) significantly reduces your Ghrelin levels so your feelings of hunger will decrease after the operation. The restriction also decreases the volume of the stomach so you will also feel full faster and will not be hungry eating less food.

The malabsorptive component of this operation allows fewer calories to be absorbed - as a result, higher and more sustained weight loss occurs. Malabsorption improves your pattern of insulin secretion which results in a 95% reduction of type 2 diabetes. Malabsorption produces a significant decrease in LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol).

Disadvantages Of Duodenal Switch Surgery

The sleeve component of the operation is irreversible due to the removal of 70-80% of the stomach. Anytime we staple to remove part of your GI tract or create new connections, there is always a risk associated with the operation. We will review these risks in detail with you when we meet with you in the office. The malabsorptive component of this operation does carry potential additional risks. It is important that you are committed to sustaining your fluid, protein, and vitamin intake to avoid the risks of malnutrition and dehydration after this operation.

Next Step

We are happy to go over the risks and benefits of our New Jersey and New York duodenal switch procedure with you, so you can ask any questions you have and ultimately feel confident about your weight loss procedure decision. Most insurances will cover the switch procedure. Our insurance experts will verify your benefits for you free of charge. If you do not have insurance coverage we can explain financing options for you.

Thanks to the combination of our expertise, cutting-edge technology, and unparalleled skills, we have achieved successful duodenal switch results time and time again, and we can deliver these same results to you. Duodenal switch surgery is just one of many options you have for bariatric surgical procedures. Contact the New York Bariatric Group at 866-569-7049 to learn more.

Duodenal Switch FAQ

Those who are considering undergoing weight loss surgery have many questions and concerns. We have offered some basic information about the duodenal switch, and answers to some of the most common questions patients are asked about the procedure.

Is The Duodenal Switch Procedure Better Than Gastric Bypass Surgery?

Will I Maintain The Weight Loss After A Duodenal Switch Surgery?

How Much Weight Will I Lose With A Duodenal Switch?

How Long Will I Need To Recover From A Duodenal Switch?

Is The Duodenal Switch For Me?

Is The Duodenal Switch Procedure Better Than Gastric Bypass Surgery?

The duodenal switch and gastric bypass both have restrictive and malabsorptive components in which a new connection between the stomach and small intestine is surgically created. The duodenal switch has a higher level of malabsorption. This malabsorption leads to a higher level of weight loss (85% of excess weight loss) and better sustainability of the weight loss. This procedure is ideal for patients with and high BMI and other medical issues related to obesity.

Will I Maintain The Weight Loss After A Duodenal Switch Surgery?

Research has shown that patients undergoing this surgery lose about 85 percent of their excess weight, on average. Additional weight can be lost if you carefully watch your diet and engage in a regular exercise program.

You will have lost a significant quantity of weight, very quickly, and will then “plateau.” Making it through this period is one of the most critical points in maintaining weight loss. You may want to add more exercise to your weight loss regimen to continue to lose weight. What you consume makes a difference – it is advised that you track what you consume and avoid sugary, fatty foods as a lifestyle change. One of the challenges you may face is not falling back into unhealthy eating habits.

How Much Weight Will I Lose With A Duodenal Switch?

Most patients are reported to lose about 85 percent of the excess weight. Even with such a dramatic loss of weight, many people want to lose even more, which can be accomplished without much difficulty by following a strict exercise and diet plan.

How Long Will I Need To Recover From A Duodenal Switch?

Most patients can return home the day following surgery. The most important issue in being released to go home is the ability to stay hydrated. You will be able to walk just a few hours after surgery and will start the first stage of the recovery diet with clear liquids. Any pain can be managed with prescription medication during this phase. Initially, you will feel very tired and will want to rest. Depending upon your general health, you will be ready to go back to work within one to three weeks for most patients.

Is The Duodenal Switch For Me?

If your body mass index, BMI, is greater than 50 and you have diabetes mellitus you are a strong candidate for the duodenal switch. You do need to be committed to keeping up with the daily protein requirement which can be done with food and protein shakes. You must take additional bariatric vitamins and supplements outside of a multivitamin for the rest of your life.

I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man.

Everybody treated me like a king. The day of surgery, I was excited. The hospital couldn’t be any nicer. I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man. My recovery was awesome. I was out of bed that day. My wife and kids were my motivation on getting this surgery. They are my whole life. I’m happy I’m going to be around for them.

I hit my goal weight ... and I feel fabulous

I had the gastric bypass. I am Type 2 Diabetic and I wanted to gain control of my sugar. I hit my goal weight in about 5 and half months and I feel fabulous. The procedure has completely changed my life for the better because it has empowered me as a middle aged woman that I can really do everything and anything that I want to do. I don't put an age on anything. I don't say I'm too old for something.

I was tired of the way I looked. I was tired of the way I felt.

I knew if I didn't change something soon, I was going to be in a lot of trouble. The consultation process was a lot easier than I expected. I was met with open arms. I was treated like I was the only patient here. Not only did they answer all of my questions, they had questions for me to make sure I was the right candidate for the surgery. After surgery and that weight started dropping off, my life started changing for the better.

I feel like a completely different person.

I had the gastric sleeve procedure. The driving factor behind me getting this procedure was my health. I didn't feel good physically or mentally. I had joint pains, even standing was difficult sometimes. Emotionally, this surgery completely turned my life around. I have so much more confidence. So much more happiness. I feel like a completely different person. I feel stronger. I feel able to accomplish more.

It saved my life.

The driving factor behind me getting my procedure was that I couldn't get up off the floor with my granddaughter. That was my why. That was my big reason for having this surgery done. After surgery, it was a little bit of a struggle with what to eat. What you put in your mouth that you don't even think about. You don't think about what you're eating or how you're eating and portion size. It's what I do now every single day. The procedure has changed my life in so many ways. It saved my life.

I am totally comfortable in my own skin.

I think I always grew up identifying myself as less than other people because I was fat. I decided to tackle that and just live my life. I had a sleeve gastrectomy. It changed how I view myself. How I communicate with people. I'm able to be much more of myself and live the life I always thought I should have been living. I am totally comfortable in my own skin. You have the tools you need to succeed here.

I have a brand new life. I can do things I couldn't do before.

I had a vertical sleeve gastrectomy because I had just become diabetic, and I had hypertension for many years. I lost a total of 157 pounds in 11 months. I have a brand new life. I can do things I couldn't do before. Everyone at New York Bariatric Group has been wonderful. They are kind. They are understanding. They make you feel comfortable. They will guide you every step of the way on your journey so that you can be successful.

Biliopancreatic Diversion With Duodenal Switch

How Does Duodenal Switch Surgery Work?

First Portion

Second Portion

SIPS Bariatric Surgery at New York Bariatric Group

Advantages Of The Duodenal Switch Surgery

Disadvantages Of Duodenal Switch Surgery

Next Step

Duodenal Switch FAQ

Is The Duodenal Switch Procedure Better Than Gastric Bypass Surgery?

Will I Maintain The Weight Loss After A Duodenal Switch Surgery?

How Much Weight Will I Lose With A Duodenal Switch?

How Long Will I Need To Recover From A Duodenal Switch?

Is The Duodenal Switch For Me?

Thomas

Lost 145lbs

I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man.

Nicole

Lost 76lbs

I hit my goal weight ... and I feel fabulous

Robert

Lost 76lbs

I was tired of the way I looked. I was tired of the way I felt.

Samantha

Lost 92lbs

I feel like a completely different person.

Eileen

Lost 99lbs

It saved my life.

Brittany

Lost 126lbs

I am totally comfortable in my own skin.

Desiree

Lost 157lbs

I have a brand new life. I can do things I couldn't do before.

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