Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD), commonly known as duodenal switch, is a dual-approach bariatric surgery that can be effective for patients with severe obesity.
Duodenal switch is both restrictive and malabsorptive, which means that it promotes weight loss by limiting the amount of food a patient is able to eat, as well as changing the way that calories are absorbed by the body. This procedure can also change production of ghrelin, which is a hormone responsible for controlling cravings.
Our bariatric surgeons, Dr. Doucette and Dr. Foreman, specialize in minimally invasive weight loss procedures. Surgery at Alabama Surgical Associates will be performed laparoscopically whenever possible, which can have the benefit of fewer incisions and optimal recovery. Duodenal switch is performed with general anesthesia.
During this procedure, a significant portion of the stomach is removed to restrict the amount of food that can be consumed at one time. The digestive system is also rearranged. The duodenum is a section of the small intestine, and it is divided and redirected in order to reduce the number of calories that are absorbed.
Duodenal Switch patients should expect to stay in the hospital overnight and devote at least one week to recover. Patients are generally able to return to work within 2 weeks. Certain activities may be restricted for up to 6 weeks. Our team of weight loss specialists will provide detailed information for the duodenal switch post-bariatric diet, which will gradually transition from clear liquids to solid food.
Bariatric surgery is a tool, and patients who commit to healthier lifestyle habits will experience optimal outcomes. Duodenal switch patients may be able to eat a more typical diet than patients who undergo other types of bariatric surgery. However, because the duodenal switch is a malabsorptive procedure, patients will have to pay close attention to nutrition and take daily supplements in order to maintain adequate vitamin and mineral levels. A successful duodenal switch patient may lose up to 80% of excess body weight within two years of surgery.
Covered by Insurance: Yes
Financing Available: Yes
Minimally Invasive: Yes
Non-Surgical: No
Avg. Procedure Time: 2 to 3 hours
Typical Hospital Stay: 1 to 2 nights
Typical Recovery Time: 5 to 7 days
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