Major Benefits of Duodenal Switch Surgery
Approximately 99% of those with type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol, 92% of those with obstructive sleep apnea, and 83% of those with hypertension enter remission or are cured following bariatric surgery. Other conditions that can experience significant improvement or resolution include*:
- Asthma/breathing issues
- Dyslipidemia
- Arthritis
- Headaches and migraines
- Infertility/PCOS syndrome
- GERD and acid reflux
- Cardiovascular disease
- Back and joint pain
*According to DS Facts
Duodenal Switch Procedure Complications
Duodenal switch patients should remain ware that this weight loss procedure has drawbacks. As with any surgery, you can expect the following risks:
- Internal bleeding
- Infection
- Blood clots in your legs that can move to the lungs
- Hernias
- Death
Because stomach size is reduced, certain foods can cause excessive gas that you may not be able to control. Additionally, patients must augment their diet with vitamins and minerals to prevent poor nutrition. If you follow a post-bariatric surgery diet and have realistic expectations, you can manage these potential disadvantages and achieve long-term weight loss.
Patients who undergo BPD/DS are at high risk for calcium and iron deficiencies, and at increased risks for deficiencies in vitamins A, D, E, and K, the fat-soluble vitamins. A thiamine deficiency can happen after duodenal switch surgery, damaging the nervous system when left untreated.
Up to 18% of people undergoing BPD/DS surgery also develop some level of protein-energy malnutrition. If it becomes severe, it can become potentially life-threatening.
Are You a Good Candidate for Duodenal Switch Surgery?
Duodenal switch surgery in Mexico isn't for everyone. Your doctor may recommend it if you have super morbid obesity and need to lose more weight than patients typically achieve with a gastric bypass. Patients generally have a BMI greater than 40. A BPD/DS is usually done only after attempting to lose weight by improving diet and exercise habits. You'll likely go through an extensive screening process to see if you qualify. Qualifications include being willing to make permanent changes to lead a healthier lifestyle before and after surgery. For some patients, gastric bypass or gastric sleeve may be more appropriate. Long-term plans involve monitoring your nutrition, lifestyle and behavior, and your medical conditions. You will also need to accept a lifelong need to change food choices, limit portions, and take vitamin supplements.
A BPD/DS surgical procedure is also performed to reduce your risk of potentially life-threatening weight-related health problems, including:
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Type 2 diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Stroke
- Infertility
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
The procedure's metabolic effects make it particularly effective at resolving or greatly reducing the problems associated with diabetes in insulin-dependent patients.
Dr. Barcia typically recommends bariatric procedures for patients with a BMI of 40 or above. It’s essential to discuss all possible weight loss procedures with your surgeon before deciding on duodenal switch surgery.
How Should You Prepare for Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch Surgery?
If you qualify for biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch surgery (BPD/DS), your health care team will provide specific preparation instructions, including imaging lab tests, heart tests, and physical exams. Before starting, create a list of current medical conditions, allergies, medicines, vitamins, minerals, and herbal or dietary supplements. If you take blood thinners, talk with your doctor before the procedure, as you may need to change your routine. Diabetics should also speak with their primary care physician about taking insulin or other diabetes medications before surgery.
You'll receive a healthy diet and exercise plan that you should follow to begin losing weight and prepare you for your new post-surgical life. Ask to work with a dietitian and physical trainer if you need help. Several days before surgery, you will need to adjust your diet even further. Your bariatric surgeon may postpone the surgical procedure if you eat or drink too close to the operation as you can choke on stomach contents when you are under anesthesia.
If you are a smoker, stop using tobacco as soon as possible. Quitting smoking will help the healing process.
Recovery Time After BPD/DS
The length of your hospital stay will depend on several factors, including your age, general health, and whether you have an open or laparoscopic procedure. The latter involves your bariatric surgeon making four or five small incisions in your abdomen and inserting a laparoscope to guide the procedure.
How Long is a Duodenal Switch Surgery?
A typical DS surgery takes two to three hours. You'll spend another hour or two in recovery before going to a regular room. Most patients spend two to five days in the hospital. You can expect a shorter stay if you had a laparoscopic procedure. Duodenal switch complications occur more frequently with open procedures.
What to Expect after Duodenal Switch Surgery
Patients can expect some pain for about a week after the surgery. Depending on how physically demanding your job is, you can generally expect to return to work two to three weeks later.
You may have liquids immediately after the surgery but no solid food while your stomach and intestines begin to heal. You'll follow a special food plan that changes slowly from liquids to pureed foods. Afterwards, you can eat soft foods, then move on to firmer foods as your body can tolerate them. Your stomach may take up to three months to tolerate solid foods.
DS surgery patients experience dramatic weight loss in the first six months after surgery. You’ll typically lose an average of ½ pound to 1 pound per day for the first three months after surgery. Weight loss slows between six and nine months.
Average Expected Weight Loss
- 3 months: 35% excess weight loss*
- 6 months: 55% excess weight loss*
- 12 months: 75% excess weight loss*
- 18 months:85% excess weight loss*
Within two years, patients can shed all their excess weight by following proper post-op diet and exercise recommendations. Taking the proper vitamins and minerals to avoid nutritional deficiencies is also important.
18 months: 80% excess weight loss*
How Much Weight Can You Lose with Duodenal Switch Surgery?
After surgery, you may lose 70 to 80 percent of your excess weight within two years. Many patients lose 150 pounds or more. The amount of weight you lose also depends on your change in lifestyle habits. Not losing enough weight or regaining weight is also possible if you don't follow the recommended lifestyle changes. To avoid weight regain, you must make permanent healthy changes in your diet and get regular exercise.
Duodenal Surgery Weight Loss Timeline
- First six to eight weeks after surgery: 10% of excess weight
- Next four to five months: 50% of excess weight
- Within 12 months: 60 to 80% of excess weight
After the first year, weight loss will typically begin to plateau. Most patients can expect to hit their end weight within 18 to 24 months. Patients who have DS surgery are also more likely to maintain long-term weight loss, with clinical results showing an average of 70% of excess weight loss ten years after the procedure.
It's essential to keep all scheduled follow-ups after surgery to monitor your progress and to monitor duodenal switch side effects like vitamin and nutrient deficiencies resulting from less caloric absorption. Dumping syndrome is uncommon in DS patients as the pylorus remains intact. If you don't lose weight or develop complications after surgery, see your doctor immediately.
Duodenal Switch Surgery Cost
In the United States, duodenal switch surgery cost can be prohibitively expensive. Most insurance policies do not cover the procedure’s fees, which puts the price at $23,000 to $30,000 for many patients. Even policies that do cover the procedure may have hefty insurance co-pays. When you come to the Tijuana Bariatric Center for your surgery, you’ll pay a lot less. Our current duodenal switch surgery cost is (ANTHONY CHECK THE COST, PLEASE). Note that duodenal switch surgery in Mexico remains one of our more expensive procedures. You may qualify for another procedure such as SADI-S that will produce similar dramatic weight loss results at a lower cost.
Dr. Fernando Garcia specializes in treating patients with extremely high BMIs who may have been refused for treatment at other medical practices. He has performed hundreds of duodenal surgeries and other complicated bariatric procedures. Our Tijuana office limits the number of surgeries each day so you get the highest pre-op, surgical, and post-op care.
We work in a high-volume hospital that specializes in bariatric surgery. This private facility goes above and beyond safety for strict COVID-19 protocols. Our staff always use personal protective equipment.
Contact Our Medical Staff Today
The Tijuana Bariatric Center strokes to provide excellent care at affordable prices. We want every patient to feel health, happy, and confident. Contact our office today at 800-970-0577 to set up a virtual consultation and begin to take control of your weight once and for all.
