There are a variety of weight loss surgical procedures out there today and researching which one that could work for you can be overwhelming. You might be asking questions like, “what are the differences of each surgery and what do they involve?” Or perhaps, “which one will allow me to lose as much weight as possible?”

The duodenal switch procedure is one of the options out there. Here is some important must-know information about it and what you can expect when it comes to weight loss.

This procedure is known as biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, or otherwise known as the duodenal switch. It can many times help patients lose more weight than gastric bypass surgery or sleeve gastrectomy. It is a complex procedure that reduces the body’s ability to absorb vitamins, minerals, and calories.

To qualify for the surgery, patients need to have a body mass index (BMI) of 50 or greater, or a BMI of 40 or greater with serious medical complications like diabetes, heart and/or lung disease, high cholesterol, or sleep apnea.

The procedure will help people lose weight in three ways: a large portion of the stomach is removed, which means your stomach will hold less food and you won’t be able to eat as much. Next, the procedure will reroute food away from the upper part of the small intestine, which aids in digestion, cutting back the nutrients and calories that are absorbed in the body. The small intestine is divided, and a connection is made near the end of it. The surgery also alters how digestive juices work to break down ingested food, which also reduces caloric intake.

Because of these three major changes during surgery, the result for the average patient is significant weight loss, sometimes more than 70 to 80% of the excess weight. This happens gradually, over a period of two years. As with any medical procedure, this surgery comes with risks.

However, the duodenal switch reduces the ability for vitamins and minerals to absorb, which can result in long term complications if supplements are not taken correctly. Patients need to be monitored closely and are always prescribed specific vitamin supplements after surgery to help prevent deficiencies.

Wondering if the duodenal switch surgery is right for you? Contact our team at WeightWise today to schedule an appointment and learn more.