The Benefits Of Duodenal Switch Surgery

Posted on: 21 July 2015

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Weight reduction surgery works beautifully for cosmetic reasons, but the health benefits from these procedures are even more important than the aesthetic ones. In particular, duodenal switch surgery can help you quickly shed pounds while improving your other serious medical conditions. If you are contemplating weight loss surgery, consider choosing the duodenal switch.

Procedure

The full title of this gastric bypass surgery is a biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. During this procedure, surgeons take out a large portion of the stomach but leave more of it than they do in some other bariatric surgeries. The surgery does bypass most of the intestinal system by attaching the end of the intestines to the duodenum. If you have this procedure, you will only be able to eat small amounts of food at a time, and the nutrients you consume will not all be absorbed. Patients undergoing this surgery sometimes suffer from low levels of iron and calcium as well as other vitamins. Up to eighteen percent of patients suffer from  "protein-energy malnutrition," so once you have this surgery, your nutrition will be carefully watched for the rest of your life.

Benefits

This weight loss surgery does have some excellent benefits to recommend it. For instance, weight loss of more than 50%, called excess weight loss or EWL, is 70% - 80% for the long term. You will lose weight quickly and have a good chance of keeping it off for the rest of your life. Duodenal switch surgery also has a superior rate of curing comorbidities, which are serious medical conditions that are present along with morbid obesity. After the surgery, 99% of those with Type 2 Diabetes are cured of the condition. A recent study has shown that surgery is more effective in treating this condition than diet or exercise. In addition, 83% of those with hypertension, 99% of those with hyperlipidemia, and 92% of those with sleep apnea are no longer afflicted with those illnesses after the operation. Although there are risks with this operation, the health benefits are extreme.

Weight loss surgery is a serious matter that must be thoroughly researched and discussed with a doctor before you decide whether or not to proceed. The benefits from the duodenal switch are often amazingly good and can bring a renewed sense of excitement about life. Obviously, losing weight has cosmetic benefits, but the health benefits can aid you in being happier and more productive. If you are a candidate for this surgery, consult with an expert in the duodenal switch to see how it can improve your life.