Duodenal switch surgery is safe and effective for patients who have at least 80 to 100 pounds of excess weight.

At OHSU, you’ll find:

• Surgeons with advanced training in bariatric procedures and follow-up care.
• A team of specialists, including dietitians and nutritionists, to help you reach your weight-loss goal.
• High rates of success in losing weight and improving health. 

What is duodenal switch?

Duodenal switch is a two-step surgery on the stomach and small intestine. It is a laparoscopic surgery, with small cuts. You should recover faster than with traditional open surgery.

The first part is a gastric sleeve surgery, also called sleeve gastrectomy. Doctors remove 60%-70% of your stomach. Your new stomach is about the size and shape of a banana.

The second part connects your new stomach to a lower section of your small intestine. Food spends less time in the intestine.

None of your intestine is removed. The rest is reconnected so your digestion works smoothly.

We also offer a simpler, shorter version of this surgery called SADI (single anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass).

How does duodenal switch work?

Having a smaller stomach means you have less room for food and liquids, and feel full sooner. Having food spend less time in the small intestine means your body absorbs fewer calories and nutrients.

Your stomach and small intestine may send fewer hunger signals to your brain, reducing your appetite.

What to expect

Hospital stay: Your surgery will take two to three hours. You will spend two to three nights in the hospital.

Activity: Most patients return to daily routines within one to two weeks. Learn more about Life After Surgery.

Diet: Before surgery, you may be asked to follow a special diet for a couple of weeks. After surgery, you will have only liquids for three weeks, then will slowly add solid foods.

Weight loss: Duodenal switch is considered one of the most effective treatments for long-term weight control. Patients can lose:

• Up to 70% of their excess weight.
• Between 35% and 40% of their total weight.

Advantages

Duodenal switch:

• Is safe; about 4% of patients have complications after surgery.
• Can help control or reverse diabetes and/or high blood pressure (hypertension).
• Reduces the creation of fatty tissue in the body.

Risks and potential side effects

Risks include:

• Bleeding.
• Infection.
• Narrowing of the new stomach because of scarring.

Side effects include:

• Having several bowel movements a day. If you eat fatty foods, you may also have:
  • Bowel movements with a strong odor.
  • Frequent gas.
• New or worse acid reflux.
• Dumping syndrome, when food moves too quickly through the digestive system. This can lead to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. It often goes away within three months.

Other things to consider:

• The gastric sleeve is not reversible.
• You’ll need to take vitamins plus protein and mineral supplements for proper nutrition.

Is duodenal switch right for me?

See our Considering Bariatric Surgery page to learn how we assess patients for bariatric procedures.

Duodenal switch is best for patients who have:

• A BMI (Body Mass Index) that is 40 or higher

or

• A BMI that is 35 or higher and one weight-related condition.