Weight Loss Operations: Duodenal Switch

By WLR Dietitian, Juliette Kellow BSc RD

This is a variation of the bilopancreatic diversion. A large portion of the stomach is removed by a sleeve gastrectomy.

At the base of the stomach, a small section of the small intestine (the duodenum) is left behind, but the remainder is cut. The lower half of the small intestine is then joined to this small piece of remaining duodenum. As with the bilopancreatic diversion, bile and pancreatic juices are redirected to the lower part of the small intestine.

The operation can be performed by keyhole or regular surgery but it’s extremely complex and can take up to seven hours to complete, and requires 5-6 days in hospital.

This operation is linked with the greatest weight losses – after two years, 80 percent of people reach a normal weight – but it’s also one of the most risky operations with 1 in 100 people dying from surgery.

It also has unpleasant side effects including wind and diarrhoea caused by the malabsorption of fat, although eating a low-fat diet can help to limit this.

Nutrient deficiencies, including protein, iron, zinc, and the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K, are also more likely and can lead to severe malnutrition. Supplements therefore need to be taken for the rest of life, together with a diet that contains twice as much protein as normal.

For more information read Juliette's Weight Loss Surgery Info.

Start a Free Trial Today

Free Trial

Use the tools in Weight Loss Resources free - you can keep an online food diary and find out how many calories you need to lose weight. Try it free for 24 hours.

Back to top | WEIGHT LOSS

Sponsored Links

The adverts below are not endorsed by Weight Loss Resources

Start a Free Trial Today

Use the tools in Weight Loss Resources free - you can keep an online food diary and find out how many calories you need to lose weight.
Try it free for 24 hours.

Weight Loss Products

Weight Loss Resources Kit

Tools, tips and reference for successful Weight Loss. Weight Loss Kit

Created: 01.05.07 | Updated: 04.08.09