Duodenal Switch Surgery

What is duodenal switch surgery?

Duodenal switch surgery (DS) is a dual-approach weight loss procedure involving a sleeve gastrectomy and surgical bypass.

This operation restricts the amount of food that can be accommodated in the stomach and reduces the number of calories that can be absorbed in the body.

It is a complex procedure, marked as malabsorptive (the intestine does not absorb some of the nutrients consumed in food), so patients must commit to life-long vitamin supplementation and a protein-dense diet.

Speak to a weight loss specialist

The Benefits of Duodenal Switch Surgery

Duodenal switch surgery is one of the most comprehensive weight loss surgeries available. It is highly successful, helping patients lose the most amount of weight possible with only a small chance of regain.

Maximum weight loss with lowest rate of weight regain

Dumping syndrome does not occur

Maximum weight loss with lowest rate of weight regain
Dumping syndrome does not occur

5 Steps to Change Your Life

Speak to our specialists

The first step is the biggest one – get in touch with our friendly team to discuss any questions you have and book your free consultation with a bariatric surgeon.

Tailored to you

At your consultation, you will meet directly with one of our leading specialist bariatric surgeons to discuss the best solution for you and book a date for your surgery.

In our safe hands

On the day of your surgery, you will arrive at the hospital and into the safe hands of our specialist bariatric nurses and surgery team.

Here for you

After your procedure and hospital discharge, you will return home. Our dedicated aftercare team are here for you 24/7 should you have any questions or concerns.

Take back your life

Your premium aftercare starts right away! We are there with you every step of the way to help you achieve your goals and to give you your life back! #GivingBackLives.

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Disclaimer


As with any surgical procedure, there are possible risks and complications, including bruising, pain & swelling, reaction to anaesthetic, excessive bleeding, infection, gallstones, deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (clot to the lung), internal small bowel hernia, intolerance to certain foods, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), nutritional deficiencies, vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea and death. These are uncommon and we will do everything possible to prevent them from happening.

Occasionally, patients may require an additional corrective procedure after the initial surgery and some patients might fail to lose a significant amount of weight. 10% of patients regain weight within five to ten years as the pouch dilates, hunger returns and malabsorption fades. 40% of patients may require plastic surgery procedures after weight loss has levelled off, to treat loose skin.

Approximately one in six patients may develop symptomatic gallstones after weight loss, which would require a laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Please speak to your Tonic surgeon to discuss the risks in more detail and any concerns you may have.

Read more >

Learn More About Duodenal Switch Surgery

“A duodenal switch is more complex than a gastric bypass, but can achieve greater weight loss.”

Is Duodenal Switch Surgery Right for Me?

Duodenal switch surgery particularly helps patients with morbid obesity (BMI >60). It is a procedure that results in the greatest overall weight loss and helps to control metabolic conditions such as diabetes.

The surgery starts with a vertical sleeve gastrectomy. It’s performed laparoscopically (keyhole surgery), and the surgeon will remove approximately 70% of the stomach so it takes the shape of a thin tube or sleeve.

A valve within the digestive tract (pylorus) marks the border between the stomach and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). Approximately one inch past this border, the duodenum is divided.

An intestinal bypass (Roux-en-Y) is carried out (but usually more bowel is bypassed) to re-establish a channel to food. This surgery means the intestine does not absorb some of the nutrients consumed in food, and so you will need to take extra supplementation for effective nutrition. Our surgeon Mr Simon Dexter advocates bypassing less bowel to reduce the risk of nutritional deficiencies and diarrhoea.

After this procedure, patients can expect to feel fuller sooner. Food is transported to the large intestine in a much shorter period of time, reducing the amount of time available to capture calories from digested food.

Of all bariatric operations, the duodenal switch has the lowest rate of weight regain.

Patients can expect to lose 90% of their excess weight within two years of surgery. This procedure also has the best diabetes resolution (more than 90%).

Patients should expect to stay in hospital overnight and devote at least one week to recovery.

Patients can usually return to work within two weeks. Certain activities may be restricted for up to six weeks.

After this extensive intestinal bypass, there is a potential for protein-energy malnutrition, so strict compliance with a high-protein diet is essential to avoid deficiencies.

You should expect vigilant post-operative follow-up and mandatory regular blood tests.

The surgery starts with a vertical sleeve gastrectomy. It’s performed laparoscopically (keyhole surgery), and the surgeon will remove approximately 70% of the stomach so it takes the shape of a thin tube or sleeve.

A valve within the digestive tract (pylorus) marks the border between the stomach and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). Approximately one inch past this border, the duodenum is divided.

An intestinal bypass (Roux-en-Y) is carried out (but usually more bowel is bypassed) to re-establish a channel to food. This surgery means the intestine does not absorb some of the nutrients consumed in food, and so you will need to take extra supplementation for effective nutrition. Our surgeon Mr Simon Dexter advocates bypassing less bowel to reduce the risk of nutritional deficiencies and diarrhoea.

After this procedure, patients can expect to feel fuller sooner. Food is transported to the large intestine in a much shorter period of time, reducing the amount of time available to capture calories from digested food.

Of all bariatric operations, the duodenal switch has the lowest rate of weight regain.

Patients can expect to lose 90% of their excess weight within two years of surgery. This procedure also has the best diabetes resolution (more than 90%).

Patients should expect to stay in hospital overnight and devote at least one week to recovery.

Patients can usually return to work within two weeks. Certain activities may be restricted for up to six weeks.

After this extensive intestinal bypass, there is a potential for protein-energy malnutrition, so strict compliance with a high-protein diet is essential to avoid deficiencies.

You should expect vigilant post-operative follow-up and mandatory regular blood tests.

Sarah Ash

Hi I'm Sarah Ash

I’m a Tonic Patient Coordinator; I’m here to help you start your weight loss journey.

It’s my job to support you through your journey with Tonic, from initial consultation where we’ll learn all about you and your weight loss journey to date, through to your 5 years of aftercare with our specialist team. 

We’re here for you at every stage. 

Book an appointment

PREMIUM AFTERCARE A TONIC PROMISE

No Other Provider Offers Aftercare Like Tonic

We pride ourselves in providing the most comprehensive support package around you after your procedure. 

Weight loss surgery is a tool to help you lose weight. Our aftercare team is composed of nurses, psychotherapists, personal trainers, bariatric surgeons and other weight loss specialists. It’s our job to ensure your weight loss journey goes as smoothly as possible. 

You will not get 5 years of aftercare included with your surgery anywhere else.

Full Aftercare breakdown

Unlimited Dietician Appointments for 2 years

Unlimited Psychotherapist Appointments for 2 years

Unlimited Support with Virtual Fitness Coach for 2 Years

Unlimited Bariatric Nurse Support for 2 years

5 Years Surgeon Follow Up

The Gym Group 30-day Membership

The Tonic Tool Kit

Tonics Private Social Media community support

Out Of Hours Support Line

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