The Laparoscopic Duodenal Switch Procedure (LapDS) is a major surgery that rearranges the intestines and reduces the size of the stomach so that food intake is restricted and fewer calories are absorbed, resulting in progressive weight loss that is sustained long-term.

The stomach is reconstructed into a cylindrical shape. Immediately, this leaves more room for food than purely restrictive surgeries and allows for an eating pattern and diet much closer to normal. Over time, the stomach stretches and most patients find that they can eat comfortably sized meals after a year.

In 1999, Dr. Rabkin developed a method of using the laparoscope to perform the Duodenal Switch procedure. The laparoscope is a thin, lighted tube that allows for smaller incisions with minimal scarring, less discomfort, faster recovery and shorter stays in hospital.  LapDS surgery generally takes two to three hours and the average hospital stay is between three to four days. 

Drs. Robert Rabkin and John Rabkin have performed over 1,500 duodenal switch surgeries including over 1,000 LapDS procedures.

Average Excess Weight Loss
29% at 3 months
51% at 6 months
91% at 24 months
75-85% at 10 years
73% at 15 years

A failed weight loss surgical procedure can be 'converted' to another, more effective bariatric surgery. Reasons why a previous weight loss surgery may fail and require conversion to a newer procedure include insufficient weight loss, weight regain or serious side effects to the initial surgery. Conversion procedures are technically more complicated and require a highly skilled, experienced bariatric surgeon and surgical team.

Conversion from a failed weight loss surgical procedure to the Duodenal Switch has routinely achieved excellent weight loss with resolution of associated medical problems.