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

Stomach 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.

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Patient Testimonials


Janet S.

Lost 93 pounds*

"93 pounds later, I have a whole new life. I’ve gone from a size 24 down to 10-12. I no longer have high blood pressure or high cholesterol. My knees, which were in sad shape before surgery, don’t hurt anymore. I joined a gym and participate in water aerobics and a latin impact aerobics class. My whole life has changed. I have much more confidence in myself and love to be with people."

Vivian P.

Lost 140 pounds*

“First off….this surgery will give you your life back. It is a total life changing surgery and I feel like I owe DFW Bariatric my life since they restored mine to me. My weight ballooned up to 273 lbs before my surgery. I have successfully lost and maintained a 140 lb weight loss… This is the most amazing journey that anyone could ever take and the DFW Bariatric Institute staff will all be there to hold your hand and lead you down the road to your success.”

Sherrie M.

Lost 110 pounds*

“I am currently 29 years old and weigh 130 lbs. Before surgery I weighed almost 240 lbs…This is the best thing I have done with my life and would do it again today. It changed my life drastically. My surgeon said to me, 'I can do 50% for you and give you the surgery, but the other 50% is up to you. Your eating, your exercise, your total outlook on life make up the other 50%. And what you want from the surgery is what you will get, and the life you will gain.'”

John E.

Lost 90 pounds*

“I went to a seminar and left there with complete ease, feeling like everyone cared about me and my health. On first office visit I was totally impressed…I never felt rushed in the office, and always felt everyone cared. My surgery was completed and I am now down 90 pounds…The biggest part of recovery comes from the encouragement DFW Bariatric gives. Everyone is always positive and takes the time to explain things in a positive way.”

Kathy D.

Lost 161 pounds*

“There are no words to express the amount of change that weight loss surgery has brought to my life. I am a 54 year old female. There were so many things I was unable to do before the surgery that I blamed on age. It wasn’t my age at all, it was the weight. I am 30 again…The day of my surgery, I weighed 299 pounds. Today I weigh 138 and wear a size 6…I feel so good about myself now. The surgery saved my life!”

Brian S.

Lost 130 pounds*

“After losing 130 pounds, I feel like I have a new lease on life. I was able to stop all of my diabetes, high blood pressure, and my cholesterol medicines. I have always had chronic knee problems and now I am able to run three miles per day without any pain. If I had a choice of doing this surgery again or not, I would definitely do it again. I feel that by having the surgery it not only gave me my life back but it also saved my life.”

Lorna Q.

Lost 107 pounds*

"I have lost the astonishing amount of 107 pounds in less than a year. I feel like I have my life back and I am in control again. All my family and friends are always telling me that I look happier than before and they are right, I am much, much happier than before. I have to thank DFW Bariatric and my husband for helping me throughout this very emotional and amazing journey. I do not regret at all having the surgery, it is one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life.”

Danielle L.

Lost 154 pounds*

“My outlook on life was so different before having my weight loss surgery. I was taking medicine for diabetes, high blood pressure, and depression, and my back, legs, and shoulders hurt all the time which kept me from sleeping. My start weight was 298 pounds. And I am now 144. I’m no longer on any type of medications. My body is the best shape I have ever been in. I am so happy to be where I am today mentally and physically. With my hard work and dedication and with the aid of DFW Bariatric, I am where I want to be. I trust this team with all my heart.”

Dennis H.

Lost 170 pounds*

“At 365 pounds, I was medicated for high blood pressure, diabetes, joint inflammation, and high cholesterol…I was a living example of morbid obesity. I knew then that it was time to do something with my weight…It was not easy to get through all of the hoops that my health plan demanded, but the DFW Bariatric team helped me every step of the way. Today I weigh 195 pounds and feel great! From the time I left the hospital after surgery I have been free from all prescription medications. I can never thank this team enough for giving me back my life."