August 9, 2021
Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch is a bariatric procedure that is recommended for obese people. It is a great option for those who have failed to get tangible results from other weight loss methods such as diet and exercise. The procedure can help morbidly obese people to lose excess fat to reclaim good health. It can also help improve obesity-related medical conditions. During the procedure, a large part of the stomach is removed to create a tubular pouch. Also, most of the small intestine is bypassed. This alters the way the body processes calories and nutrients. Duodenal switch surgery is a complex surgery and its success depends on how you have prepared yourself for lifestyle changes to which you will have to commit post-surgery.
In this blog post, we will discuss some major changes that you can expect after a duodenal switch procedure.
Extensive Weight Loss
Duodenal switch surgery can result in significant weight loss. In many cases, patients lose up to 90% of excess weight. Patients are also more likely to sustain weight loss for the long-term after undergoing duodenal switch surgery. Typically, patients maintain 60 to 70% of weight loss even five years after the surgical procedure.
Decreased Appetite
When a duodenal switch is performed, a substantial part of the stomach is removed leaving a very small tubular pouch to store food. This tubular pouch can store very small amounts of food at a time. You will have to eat five meals a day to satisfy your nutritional requirements. Your dietician will formulate an effective diet plan for you to follow after surgery, which will help in providing your body with the required nutrition. The dietician will also prescribe vitamin supplements to complement your diet. It can take up to three months before you can eat solid food.
Improved Cardiac Health and Type-2 Diabetes
Two notable impacts of duodenal switch are modulation of insulin sensitivity and reduced cardiovascular risk. As the procedure modifies the way in which the small intestine absorbs fat and carbohydrates, it lowers the cardiovascular risk and also controls the blood sugar levels, leading to improvement in type-2 diabetes. Weight loss due to duodenal switch can also help in treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is also a major contributor to cardiovascular risks.
Emotional Changes
Post-surgery phases can sometimes be emotionally tricky to handle. Rapid weight loss can induce some emotional changes as hormones are generally stored in fatty tissue. Many times, emotions make it very difficult to stay on a prescribed diet and exercise regimen. Your bariatric care team will also include mental health experts who will help you cope with emotional issues.
Wrap Up
Duodenal switch is a great way for morbidly obese people to lose weight effectively and improve their health. Not everyone is an ideal candidate for the procedure. If you want to know whether or not you are an ideal candidate for a duodenal switch procedure, consult our bariatric surgeons today. When looking for a bariatric surgeon in or around Fort Worth, Texas, look no further than the team of seasoned surgeons at DFW Bariatrics and General Surgery in Dallas. Our weight loss doctors have expertise in many different weight loss surgeries including gastric bypass, duodenal switch, and sleeve gastrectomy.
To book an appointment with one of our doctors, call 469-620-0222 or email [email protected].