The duodenal switch procedure is an advanced form of bariatric surgery that offers several greater health benefits than traditional gastric bypass surgery. This surgery reduces the size of the stomach and reroutes the small intestines to reduce the amount of calories absorbed from food. This combination of reduced intake of food and lessened calorie absorption helps patients lose weight quickly. It also makes maintaining a healthy weight easier.
Another advantage of the duodenal switch weight loss surgery, in comparison to traditional gastric bypass surgery, is the preservation of the sphincter between the stomach and small intestines. This prevents dumping syndrome, the movement of food into the intestines before it has undergone some digestion in the stomach. Because the digestion process is improved in this type of weight loss surgery, patients can have a more varied diet than those who have traditional bypass surgery. With the duodenal switch procedure, the incidence of malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies often experienced by traditional bypass patients is greatly reduced, as the digestion and absorption of most nutrients is not as restricted.
Studies have shown that duodenal switch surgery has a significant positive impact on obese patients with type-2 diabetes. Very soon after the surgery, glucose regulation returns to normal in the vast majority of patients. It has also been shown to restrict fat absorption, reducing the incidence of excessive levels of fats in the bloodstream. Both of these improvements positively affect other aspects of health including cardiovascular health.
Duodenal switch surgery does require a hospital stay. General anesthesia is used and patients are monitored after the surgery to prevent any complications. Patients in Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, are encouraged to discuss the various types of weight loss surgeries with their doctors to determine which would provide optimal results for their individualized needs.
