Duodenal Switch Surgery
Duodenal Switch surgery is an efficient weight-loss surgery performed by a number of surgeons worldwide. It is one of the most complex weight loss surgeries, also referred to as vertical gastrectomy with duodenal switch, DS or BPD-DS, biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. The surgery helps patients lose a substantial amount of excess weight and maintain successful weight loss over the long term.
Duodenal Switch surgery in the United States typically costs around $32,000. In India, the same procedure is available for around $10,000, a saving of nearly 70% without any compromise on surgical quality or hospital standards.
History Of Duodenal Switch Surgery
The standalone Duodenal Switch procedure (without the accompanying gastric bypass as used in weight-loss surgery) was originally devised by Tom R. DeMeester, M.D. to treat bile gastritis, a condition in which the stomach and esophagus are burned by bile. In 1988, Dr. Douglas Hess of Bowling Green, Ohio, was the first surgeon to combine the DS with the Biliopancreatic Diversion (BPD) form of obesity surgery. This hybrid procedure, known as the Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (or the Distal Gastric Bypass with Duodenal Switch), solves many nutritional problems associated with other forms of weight loss, and allows a magnificent eating quality when compared to other weight loss procedures.
Duodenal Switch Surgery Candidates
Specific requirements to become a surgical candidate vary amongst bariatric surgeons, but there are general criteria that candidates for duodenal switch need to meet.
- ACandidates are required to have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater. In cases where the patient has co-existent health problems such as heart disease, sleep apnea, diabetes, or mobility impairment, a BMI of 35 or greater may be considered.
- BCandidates should be medically healthy enough to withstand surgery.
- CCandidates should be able to demonstrate a past history of failure with conventional diet and weight loss programs.
- DCandidates must demonstrate an understanding of the risks of the procedure and a commitment to long term maintenance of healthy eating and lifestyle habits after the surgery is complete.
Success Rate Of Duodenal Switch Surgery

A person who undergoes a Duodenal switch surgery can expect to loose between 29% and 37% of their pre surgery weight during the first 3 months alone.
Following the first three months the patient should expect to have lost between 51% and 55% of their pre surgery weight by month 6 and 80% to 91% of that weight by the end of their second year.
Furthermore the duodenal switch offers a 97% success rate for resolving diabetes and 96% success at resolving high cholesterol. 90% of all patients who have undergone a duodenal switch procedure have seen their sleep apnea disappear.
You have roughly a 85% chance of ridding yourself of hypertension as well as 60% of all duodenal switch patients noticed their asthma disappeared. The duodenal switch has also been recorded at resolving almost 47% of arthritis issues.
Duodenal Switch Surgery Preparations
Before going for Duodenal Switch Surgery you need to do some preparations those include:
- AMeeting with a registered dietician to discuss how your diet needs to change both before and after weight loss surgery.
- BUpper endoscopy exams to make sure no polyps, tumors, ulcers or bacteria that cause ulcers are in the stomach prior to surgery.
- CAdditional pre-operative evaluations may be necessary for the heart and lungs.
- DIt's also wise to tell your surgeon about any medications you are taking or plan to take throughout recovery. Vitamins, minerals and herbs also interact with medications, so don't leave anything out.
- EQuitting smoking for at least 30 days before and after weight loss surgery. Smoking can increase the risk of complications, including potentially fatal blood clots. What's more, smoking also increases the risk of pneumonia and other lung problems after surgery.
- FNot drinking alcohol for at least 48 hours before weight loss surgery.
- GLosing 5 to 10 percent of excess body weight. People who lose a moderate amount of weight before weight loss surgery have a shorter hospital stay and more rapid postoperative weight loss, according to a study in Archives of Surgery.
Find List Of Top Bariatric Surgeons In India
These bariatric and laparoscopic surgeons across India's leading hospitals perform duodenal switch and other weight loss surgeries using advanced, minimally invasive techniques.
Dr. Pradeep ChowbeyBariatric Surgery — Max Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi
Dr. A. K. KriplaniBariatric Surgery — Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon
Dr. Arun PrasadBariatric Surgery — Manipal Hospital, Delhi
Dr. Manish BaijalBariatric Surgery — Max Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi
Dr. Ramen GoelBariatric & Laparoscopic Surgery — Mumbai
Dr. Sanjay BorudeBariatric Surgery — Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Mumbai
Dr. Ramesh MakamBariatric Surgery — Fortis Hospital, Bangalore
Dr. Mahendra NarwariaBariatric Surgery — Asian Bariatrics Obesity Center, Ahmedabad
Dr. Shrihari DhorepatilBariatric Surgery — Shree Hospital, Pune
Dr. Ahsan BadarBariatric Surgery — Nagpur
Find List Of Top Duodenal Switch Surgery Hospitals In India
These leading hospitals across India are equipped with advanced bariatric surgery units and internationally accredited care standards for duodenal switch surgery.
Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi
Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI), Gurgaon
Medanta - The Medicity, Gurugram
Max Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi
Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai
Global Hospital, Mumbai
Manipal Hospital (Old Airport Road), Bangalore
Fortis Hospital (Bannerghatta Road), Bangalore
Artemis Hospital, Gurugram
Saifee Hospital, Mumbai
Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai
Lilavati Hospital & Research Centre, Mumbai
Duodenal Switch Surgery Procedure
The procedure involves the surgeon removing a large portion of the stomach. This is done as a ‘sleeve gastrectomy’: the surgeon will remove up to 85% of the stomach and reshape the remaining section so that it forms a tube or banana shape. He/she will also ensure that the pyloric valve – the opening from the stomach which controls the flow of food into the small intestine - is left intact. This is the restrictive half of the procedure.
The surgeon will then take the small intestine and reroute this so that one end is attached to the pyloric valve and the other into the large intestine. This forms a shorter channel called the ‘digestive’ channel. The surgeon will take another section of this small intestine which forms the longer channel or ‘biliopancreatic loop’. This channel is where bile and pancreatic juices travel through. These travel down this channel until they reach the start of the large intestine.
The bottom of this channel joins the bottom of the digestive loop. This third channel or junction is where the bile, pancreatic juices and food mix together. This reduces the amount of time that the body has in which to break down this food. The process means that fewer calories are absorbed into the bloodstream, and most importantly, less fat. Smaller portions and fewer calories mean that weight will be lost. This is the malabsorptive half.
Recovery After Duodenal Switch Surgery
Most people typically stay in the hospital for 4 days or less after duodenal switch surgery, followed by a stay in a nearby hotel for 4-7 days. Your doctor will approve your return back home once you can move without too much discomfort, eat liquid and/or pureed food without vomiting, and no longer require pain medication given by injection.
You will remain on liquid or pureed food for several weeks after the surgery. Even after that time, you will feel full very quickly, sometimes only being able to take a few bites of solid food. This is because the new stomach pouch initially only holds a tablespoonful of food. The pouch eventually expands. However, it will hold no more than about one cup of thoroughly chewed food (a normal stomach can hold up to one quart).
Once your diet begins to consist of more solid food, remember to chew each bite very slowly and thoroughly. You will be instructed on eating small meals frequently throughout the day, rather than large meals that your stomach cannot accommodate.
Exercise and the support of others (for example, joining a support group with people who have undergone weight loss surgery) are extremely important to help you lose weight and maintain that loss. You can generally resume exercise 6 weeks after the operation. Even sooner than that, you will be able to take short walks at a comfortable pace, with the approval and guidance of your doctor. Exercise improves your metabolism, while both exercise and attending a group support can boost your self-esteem and help you stay motivated.
Advantages Of Duodenal Switch Surgery
- Quicker weight loss and fewer chances of gaining weight back. The Duodenal Switch combines moderate intake with substantial calorie malabsorption. This results in a very high percentage of excess weight loss for obese individuals.
- Significant reduction in excess body fat.
- No dumping syndrome, that is, patients do not feel nauseous.
- Patients can eat a normal balanced meal.
- No risks of staple line problems, clogging of the anastomosis, or ulcers at the stoma, because there are no pouches or stomas. The natural stomach is still there, only smaller, and is connected to the duodenum in the same as it was before the surgery.
Risks Of Duodenal Switch Surgery
The short-term surgical risks of duodenal switch are similar to those of gastric bypass. These include the risk of infection and leakage of gastrointestinal contents. These complications may require a return to the operating room for repair. Rate of complications are very low.
Alternatives To Duodenal Switch Surgery
Surgical procedure options to consider as an alternative for Duodenal switch may include these surgeries:
- AAdjustable gastric banding
- BGastric bypass surgery
- CBiliopancreatic diversion surgery
Duodenal Switch Surgery In India
India offers treatment of various complicated diseases at a very reasonable cost. India has become the healthcare hub for international patients as it provides the latest in medical treatment facilities and best services, making it easy and comfortable. Healthcare in India excels in treatments relating to cardiothoracic surgery, joint replacement, transplants, orthopedic surgery, ophthalmology, and urology to name a few.
Indian medical institutes offer a gamut of services ranging from general medicine and surgery for many diseases and complications. World-class hospitals in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad attract a huge crowd of international patients who opt for low cost treatment away from their home country.
Duodenal switch surgery in India is available in the following cities:
| Mumbai | Hyderabad | Kerala |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | Pune | Goa |
| Bangalore | Nagpur | Jaipur |
| Chennai | Gurgaon | Chandigarh |
Cost Of Duodenal Switch Surgery In India
The cost of the operation varies a great deal. Different countries have different rates. The operation needs an expert surgeon and the cost of the surgery will depend a lot on the surgeon's fees. The more experienced he is, the higher his charges will be. This operation also needs a hospital stay of four to five days. The charges will depend on the hospital also. The operating room charges, the recovery room charges, the anesthetics charges, medicines, check ups, pre and post consultations all cost money.
Most health insurance companies cover the duodenal switch. However, this has to be discussed in advance. Duodenal switch is considered a health related operation and hence there is insurance cover for it.
Many patients come to India for low cost duodenal switch surgery. The operation cost for the duodenal switch surgery abroad is around $20,000 to $40,000, and it also depends on the experience of the bariatric surgeons. India is the most favorable destination when it comes to weight loss surgery at low cost without compromising the quality.
| Procedure | USA | India |
|---|---|---|
| Duodenal Switch Surgery (Laparoscopic) | $32,000 | $8,500 |
| Duodenal Switch Surgery (Open) | $28,000 | $7,200 |
| Revision Duodenal Switch Surgery | $38,000 | $10,800 |
Duodenal Switch Surgery In India- Go With Forerunners Healthcare
Forerunners Healthcare is a pioneer in providing healthcare facilities in India at low cost. We handle patients all over the globe and recommend them to the best medical establishment. We ensure the best treatment without spending too much money. Benefits of working with us include zero waiting time, complete personal care and cost effective treatments.
We have our network offices worldwide, marketing and promoting our associated health care providers. We act as a facilitator between the patients and the hospitals, assisting them right from their arrival, treatment and departure. In addition to medical services, we also provide complete transport, travel, accommodation and tourist assistance to the patient and his family.
Forerunners Healthcare will take care of all the arrangements like travelling, finding a surgeon, accommodation and help in visa procedures too. The patient just has to send a query related to the surgery and Forerunners Healthcare’s assistants will contact them within 24 hours and take care of the rest of the procedure.

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