The Duodenal Switch is the common name for a weight loss procedure known as the biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch.
This procedure is both a restrictive and malabsorptive procedure and has been shown to help people lose more weight than either the gastric sleeve or gastric bypass.
It has also been shown to help obesity-related conditions including heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.
The duodenal switch is a more complex surgery than the gastric bypass or gastric sleeve and is often saved for those patients who have more severe obesity or patients who have previously had a gastric sleeve and have regained significant weight.
Advantages of the Duodenal Switch
- Produces larger amounts of excess body weight loss than the gastric sleeve or gastric bypass
- Proven to help obesity-related conditions
- Can be used as a revisional weight loss surgery
- Can be used for people with more severe obesity
Risks of the Duodenal Switch
- More complex procedure
- Higher risk of nutritional and vitamin deficiencies including iron, calcium, and vitamins A, D, E, and K
- Higher risk for protein-energy malnutrition
- Infection
- Leak
What to Expect with a Duodenal Switch
Dr. Daniel Boyett performs the duodenal switch laparoscopically or robotically. During the surgery, he creates a small gastric sleeve by removing a large portion of the stomach. He then rearranges the intestines so that the digestive path is shorter and the digestive juices flow differently.
The result is that the smaller stomach can hold less food and less absorption can take place. Overall, this procedure has higher risks than the other common options and is the least common option performed nationwide.
Dr. Daniel Boyett specialized in minimally invasive and advanced techniques in weight loss surgery at Johns Hopkins University and is excited to help patients with severe obesity or weight gain after bariatric surgery on their weight loss journey.
To learn more about the Duodenal Switch and how Dr. Daniel Boyett can help you on your weight loss journey, contact us online or call ☎ (256) 880-4510 to schedule an appointment.
