Many people travel to Tijuana, Mexico, for bariatric surgery as a way of saving money while also receiving top quality medical services that improve their wellbeing. Our practice, serving San Diego, CA, and surrounding areas, meets with many patients from abroad who could benefit from weight loss procedures. This can reduce weight, improve general wellness, and literally add years to your life.
For certain patients, the duodenal switch is an ideal option for surgical weight loss. Let’s take a moment to go over the basics of the procedure and who the ideal candidates are for this surgery.
About Duodenal Switch Surgery
Duodenal switch surgery combines two types of surgical weight loss:
- Malabsorptive Weight Loss – Which limits the amount of calories that are absorbed by the body during digestion. This is accomplished by re-routing the intestines as a shortcut for digestion. By shortening the small intestine, the body absorbs significantly less amount of calories and nutrients with each meal.
- Restrictive Weight Loss – Which reduces the amount of calories that can be consumed in a single sitting. This is accomplished by restricting the size of the stomach by cutting and removing roughly 80% of it permanently. The rest that remains is given the shape of a lean sleeve.
The surgery, which can be a bit complicated, essentially rearranges the small intestine to promote the malabsorptive weight loss while also reducing the stomach size to limit the amount of food a person can eat. This is one of the most complex bariatric surgeries available, but is both safe and effective for treating morbid obesity, as it accomplishes great weight loss results. A patient that receives a duodenal switch will be in the operating table for 3 to 5 hours, and will remain for 2 to 3 days on observation in the recovery room.
General Candidacy for Duodenal Switch
Good candidates for duodenal switch surgery are people who are dealing with morbid obesity. They have tried to lose weight through traditional means, like diet and exercise, but have been unable to do so. Patients willing to receive a duodenal switch surgery should be in good general health and strong enough to endure the surgical procedure without the danger of a serious medical complication during the recovery process. Some candidates might need to lose initial weight before their surgery to prepare their body for the intervention.
High BMI
The duodenal switch is an excellent surgical option for people who suffer from extreme obesity. This often means a BMI (body mass index) of 40 or greater. Patients with a BMI higher than 55 are good candidates for receiving a duodenal switch surgery, as they can benefit the most out of this type of surgery. The combination of malabsorptive and restrictive weight loss methods will lead to faster and more pronounced weight loss.
Presence of Obesity-Related Health Issues
Patients with a BMI of 40 may also be eligible if they also suffer from serious weight-related health issues, such as:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Heart disease
- Hypertension
- Sleep apnea
- Severe hyperlipidemia
A duodenal switch surgery can help address these matters safely, and add years to your life in the process.
Understanding Risks and Benefits
Before you undergo any sort of surgery, it’s important that you have a good understanding of the risks and benefits that are involved as part of the procedure. This will generally set appropriate expectations about the overall recovery process and sets your disposition to follow all pre-op and post-op instructions. This last thing is fundamental for the success of your obesity treatment.
Realistic Expectations About Results and Lifestyle Changes
In addition to these risks and benefits, candidates for this procedure need to have realistic expectations about their life after the duodenal switch has been performed. Patients will need to adjust their diet and note that there are restrictions and limitations when it comes to eating certain kinds of foods. Exercise and increased activity levels are also crucial to consider. Patients who receive any kind of bariatric surgery should also be willing to give up smoking before their intervention, as smoking poses serious risks for recovery.
Compliance to Pre-op and Post-op Instructions and Diets
This is fundamental. Candidates should recognize that a duodenal switch is not a magical solution in by itself, but just a step to a complex treatment process that includes taking medication and vitamin supplements, and following a strict recovery diet during the first weeks after surgery, and a healthy balanced diet for the rest of their life. Failure to comply with medical indications can lead to serious complications or poor weight loss results.
Is Duodenal Switch Right for Me?
The best way to find out if a duodenal switch surgery is right for you and your needs is to contact our practice for a consultation. We’ll be able to discuss all of your bariatric surgery options and which may be most ideal given your situation. We’ll be more than happy to offer detailed information about all procedures available.
Bariatric Surgery at LIMARP
At LIMARP International Center of Excellence for Obesity, located in Tijuana, Mexico, we offer an integral bariatric program that includes either a surgical or non-surgical treatment for obesity, along with psychological counselling, nutritional guidance, a personalized fitness program and long-term follow-up. Our program adapts to your own specific needs in every step of the way. At LIMARP, we are committed with your weight loss goals as much as you are.
Contact Us
To learn more about duodenal switch surgery and whether or not it’s an ideal option for you, contact our weight loss surgery experts today. The team here at LIMARP® looks forward to hearing from you and discussing how to achieve a healthier weight and a better tomorrow.