Duodenal Switch

The duodenal switch is both a restrictive and malabsorptive procedure. It’s a combination of the gastric bypass and gastric sleeve procedure.

The duodenal switch differs from the gastric bypass because the intestines are rerouted later down in the digestive system (in the colon). Your pyloric sphincter (the valve responsible for letting food pass from you pouch to the first part of the bowel) remains intact.

Characteristics of the duodenal switch

Can take up to 6 hours to complete
Both restrictive and malabsorptive
Pyloric sphincter stays intact
Dumping syndrome is less likely
Removal of roughly 70% of the stomach
Rerouting of bowels near the colon
Most surgical centers won’t be able to offer this procedure
You have to take vitamins every day, for the rest of your life
You have to change your lifestyle and eating habits to make your bypass work for you

How long do I have to stay in the hospital?

Because duodenal switch surgery is more complicated than gastric sleeve or gastric bypass surgery – you’ll probably have to stay at least 1 day in the hospital. Usually it takes around 1 week to recover. Keep in mind that this is different for each person. Always follow your doctors recommendations.

Is duodenal switch surgery painful?

Surgery itself is done under full anesthetics. Pain is a subjective feeling that everyone experience differently. Gas pains tend to be painful. You’ll most likely be advised to walk to minimize gas pains. It’s common to take pain medication after surgery.

Can I eat and drink everything after a duodenal switch?

Generally you will slowly introduce new foods and textures through 5 stages during 5 weeks.

Stage 1: clear liquids
Stage 2: full liquids
Stage 3: soft-pureed foods
Stage 4: soft foods
Stage 5: slowly introducing ‘normal’ foods

Keep in mind that everyone will experience this differently. It may take longer to get to stage 5 depending on how you feel – and if any complications occur.

How much weight will I lose?

The average loss of excess weight is around 70-80% following a duodenal switch. Every bariatric journey is different. And so will be your weight loss outcome. Lifestyle, eating habits and support seem to have a great impact on weight loss and prevention of weight regain.

Benefits of the Duodenal Switch

May lead to more excess weight loss over the course of the first few years
May reduce appetite due to changes in gut hormones
Can cure type 2 Diabetes (like the gastric bypass and gastric sleeve can do too)

Disadvantages of the Duodenal Switch

Increased risk of digestive issues
Increased risk of malabsorption and nutrient deficiencies
Increased risk of bowel obstruction
Increased risk of fatty diarrhoea

Always follow your doctors guidelines and recommendations

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