Occasionally performed on morbidly obese patients, the duodenal switch is a complex surgical option involving the removal of a large portion of the stomach.

The duodenal switch procedure generates weight loss through restriction and mal-absorption, and is reserved for patients with serious weight-related health issues. Since significant mal-absorption can cause anemia, protein deficiency and bone disease, it is a procedure limited to patients whose compromised health warrants higher risks.

• During the procedure, a segment of the small intestine is divided and rearranged.
• Most (85%) of the stomach is permanently removed, creating a pouch with about a six-ounce capacity.
• Very effective in patients with a high BMI (greater than 55).
• A major advantage of this procedure is that the pylorus remains intact.