Duodenal Switch Surgery
Duodenal switch weight loss surgery shortens the path food follows through the small intestine. This reduces the time your body has to absorb calories from the food you eat and helps you lose weight. This surgery involves three steps: Surgeon cuts the small intestine in two places: across the duodenum just below the pylorus and about halfway into the intestine. This leaves two sections of small intestine, each about 8 to 10 feet long. Surgeon sews and staples the top of the first section of intestine closed and attaches the bottom to the second section about 3 feet from where the small intestine meets the large intestine. When the surgeon attaches the second part of the small intestine to the pylorus where the duodenum used to be, the duodenal switch is complete. When the surgery is complete, food from the stomach will now move through about 10 feet of small intestine instead of 20 feet which will cut your calorie and nutrient absorption in half.