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Duodenal Switch
The Biliary Pancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch procedure is typically utilized for patients who have a body mass index (BMI) of more than 50; however, the procedure has also been performed for patients who have a BMI of under 50. While Duodenal Switch surgery has proven successful for many individuals who are suffering from severe obesity, there are a number of disadvantages that can be associated with this procedure. Therefore, it is one of the very few types of bariatric surgery that is not offered by our weight loss surgeons here at the DFW Bariatric Institute, in Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas. The following information explains the basics of the Duodenal Switch procedure with details about some of the potential disadvantages.
Biliopancreatic Diversion (DS) with Duodenal Switch
Biliary Pancreatic Diversion, also known as DS or BPD, reduces the size of the stomach to create a smaller stomach pouch. The procedure restricts the amount of food that can be consumed in one sitting, and alters the small intestine to make it possible for bile and pancreatic juices to meet digested food closer to the middle or the end of it, leading to less absorption of calories and nutrients by the body.
About 3/4ths of the stomach is removed during DS, restricting food intake as well as output of acids. The duodenum is a part of the small intestine. This end of the small intestine is re-routed to the new stomach pouch, separating the flow of pancreatic juices and bile. This allows for digestive juices and food to meet in the lower part of the intestine – creating malabsorption of calories. Ultimately, Biliary Pancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch is both a restrictive and a malabsorptive weight loss surgery procedure. It restricts the amount of food intake by making the stomach smaller, and cuts down on the amount of nutrients and calories the body absorbs.
While there are a variety of benefits offered by Duodenal Switch surgery – including significant weight loss and reduced health risks that are linked to obesity – there are also a number of factors that can make this option less of an ideal choice. For example: since Duodenal Switch surgery is a malabsorptive procedure, malnutrition is a risk, and therefore it requires lifetime follow-up with your bariatric surgeon. Patients must take daily vitamin and mineral supplements and have an annual blood test to monitor for deficiencies in vitamin D, vitamin A, and calcium and protein. Without diligent monitoring and the correct amount of supplementation, deficiencies can result in osteoporosis, anemia, and other conditions. Duodenal Switch surgery also typically requires a lengthier hospital stay than other major surgical weight loss treatment options, and it has shown to have higher rates of risk and complication. Our doctors believe that the gastric sleeve procedure offers many patients an effective alternative to Duodenal Switch surgery. The gastric sleeve treatment has proven to be very successful for many individuals, and it typically involves fewer risks and complications.
One of our experienced bariatric surgeons will perform a comprehensive evaluation during the initial consultation and talk with you about the best weight loss treatment options for your needs. If you would like more information, or if you would like to schedule your consultation, please contact the DFW Bariatric Institute today.
