The Duodenal Switch (“DS”) or BPD is a surgical procedure that reduces the amount of food that can be eaten at one time and significantly reduces the amount of calories, and nutrients the body absorbs, particularly calories from fat sources. The restriction in this procedure is accomplished by removing one half of the stomach, leaving a 4 to 5 ounce stomach (like a small juice glass). The size of this new stomach will slowly enlarge (probably double in size) so you can eat a small meal comfortably. The pylorus, the exit from the stomach, is not removed or bypassed so it can continue to function in controlling the emptying of the stomach, therefore no dumping syndrome.

Malabsorption is accomplished by rerouting the path of digestive enzymes so that the food travels a shortened pathway and does not meet up with the digestive enzymes until the last 100-150 centimeters of small bowel. This area is called the “common channel” and it is only in this common channel where food can be fully digested.