Traditional Duodenal Switch

The traditional duodenal switch (DS), like the gastric bypass (RYGB) and the ModDS, is both a malabsorptive and restrictive surgery.

What is traditional duodenal switch weight loss surgery?

The combination of malabsorption and restriction makes the traditional DS, ModDS surgery, and RYGB extremely effective at enabling patients to lose weight and keep it off. Patients can lose more weight with bariatric surgeries that have both restrictive and malabsorptive components.

Traditional duodenal switch: Is it right for me?

The traditional DS procedure was first done in 1986. In this procedure, over 90% of the small intestine was bypassed, which produced excellent weight loss results — but it came with a significant risk of long-term complications. Most of the studies showed that such risk to be over 30%. Because of this high complication rate, very few surgeons in the United States perform this surgery, and it now represents less than 5% of all weight loss surgeries done in the country today.

Traditional duodenal switch vs. modified duodenal switch

There are two main differences between the traditional DS and the ModDS:

The biggest difference between these two procedures is that the ModDS only bypasses 50% to 60% of the small intestine, which results in a significantly reduced rate of diarrhea, malnutrition, and vitamin deficiencies while maintaining the same excellent weight loss.
The second major difference is that the ModDS does not involve the second anastomosis (connection of bowel) downstream. This second connection was intended to divert bile to the bowel further downstream and prevent bile from refluxing back into the stomach. However, with the pylorus intact (a valve that prevents bile from going into the stomach), this second connection is considered unnecessary by many surgeons.

Risks of traditional duodenal switch surgery

Further, this second connection, like the gastric bypass, increases the risk for life-threatening small bowel obstructions from internal hernias.

This is almost never encountered with the ModDS procedure. Although the traditional DS provides for excellent weight loss, it does come with increased risk.

Our approach at Roller Weight Loss Weight Loss & Advanced Surgery

When the surgeons at Roller Weight Loss & Advanced Surgery perform the traditional DS procedure, the common channel is made at 300 cm resulting in a bypass of only 50% to 60% of the intestine in hopes of avoiding this significant and life-threatening risk of malnutrition seen in the original traditional DS procedures.

Why choose us?

Roller Weight Loss & Advanced Surgery is the most advanced and experienced bariatric surgical group in the region. Dr. Roller and our team of fellowship-trained bariatric surgeons are among the most experienced in the country. We have performed custom weight loss surgeries on patients from 47 out of 50 states, with many of our patients flying in to undergo bariatric surgery under our care. We offer patient-focused support, all surgeries are minimally invasive, and all our surgeons are fellowship-trained.

Three locations to serve you

We have three locations to serve you, with our main office in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and other offices in Fort Smith and Tulsa. Listen to our online seminar and schedule your first appointment with our compassionate, warm, and talented team. Our goal is to help you achieve your weight loss goals for the long term.

Get the help you need from our weight loss surgery specialists.

We are recognized authorities in weight loss surgery. If you’re considering bariatric surgery, you need the help of our professional team to guide you. Meet with us and we will determine which is the best course of action for you.

Start Living Your Best Life.

Start your journey today

Expected weight loss from traditional duodenal switch surgery: 70% to 95% of your excess weight*

Traditional DS patients tend to lose more than gastric bypass patients.

Start your journey now: Free online weight loss seminar

The first step in your weight loss journey is to register for one of our weight loss seminars.

*Results may vary from person to person.

Traditional Duodenal Switch

What is traditional duodenal switch weight loss surgery?

Traditional duodenal switch: Is it right for me?

Traditional duodenal switch vs. modified duodenal switch

Risks of traditional duodenal switch surgery

Our approach at Roller Weight Loss Weight Loss & Advanced Surgery

Why choose us?

Three locations to serve you

Get the help you need from our weight loss surgery specialists.

Start Living Your Best Life.

Expected weight loss from traditional duodenal switch surgery: 70% to 95% of your excess weight*

Start your journey now: Free online weight loss seminar

Start Living Your Best Life.

Free Online Seminar