The surgical procedure to do a duodenal switch combines mal-absorptive and restrictive surgery meant for losing weight. This procedure reduces the food quantity one is able to take and the amount of calories the body can absorb and utilize. The surgical procedure is used to create a stomach pouch of moderate size and bypassing some section of the small intestine. For people that look to go for duodenal switch surgery in Mexico, it is essential that they know what to expect.

It is performed in a surgical centre or hospital through the use of general anesthesia. It starts with incisions that are half-inch long and are made in the area of the stomach and the middle of the abdomen. The stomach is left attached to the first segment of the ileum known as the duodenum which is then separated from the other parts of the small intestine.

What follows is the attachment of the duodenum to lower parts of the small intestine. As this is done, most of the first and second segments of the ileum are bypassed. When this is done, the surgical doctor affirms that there are no leakages before he or she withdraws the instruments used. The incisions are then closed using either sterile tapes or absorbable sutures.

The results of the procedure are excellent. On average, a patient will lose between 70 and 80 percent of the excess weight after two years following the surgical procedure. There are increased risks of suffering from nutritional deficiencies with this procedure than with the other weight loss procedures. For their lifetime, the patient will have to use nutritional supplements like vitamins and minerals.

In the long run, patients that go for the duodenal switch will achieve lasting results. The fact that the body is not able to absorb all the ingested food means one does not have go for lifestyle changes as is the case with various other types of bariatric surgery. In addition, a patient is able to eat larger food portions and thus get better satisfaction.

There are various advantages of the procedure. The normal stomach will enable those affected to have better eating quality. Because of the removal of the stomach portion that manufactures the hormone that stimulates hunger, hunger and appetite will be greatly reduced. There will be no increase in formation of ulcer for those using anti-inflammatory drugs. Besides, the intestinal bypass can be reversed partially for people having mal-absorptive complications.

There are some disadvantages as well. For instance, there is increase probability of suffering from chronic diarrhea and gas. With increased mal-absorption, one could suffer from anemia, lack of proteins and metabolic diseases of bones. About 15 percent of people are affected by these conditions. Excessive intake of carbohydrates leads to abdominal pain or insufficient weight loss. There could also be regaining of weight in the long term.

Just like any other surgical procedure, there is the possibility of risks and complications. These include small bowel obstruction, duodenal leak, fistula and post-operative nausea. The chances of complications are minimal when the procedure is done professionally.