Laparoscopic Duodenal Switch

A duodenal switch procedure is a type of weight loss surgery that removes (or excludes) 2/3rds of the stomach and bypasses a long portion of the small intestine. The end result is a significant reduction in the amount of fat and calories that can be absorbed by the body. This ultimately causes a rapid loss of large amounts of weight.

When compared to other weight loss surgeries, the duodenal switch surgery offers the most weight loss. In addition to weight loss, the amount of food that can be consumed is also an advantage. The duodenal switch procedure allows for more sustenance to be consumed, providing the patient with the ability to enjoy the foods they love. In fact, those who undergo this procedure often find that they don't need to significantly alter their eating habits. However, if fatty or greasy foods are overeaten (such as hamburger and fries) diarrhea and gas often results.

The Duodenal Switch Procedure

Palm Springs duodenal switch procedures are performed under general anesthesia. Because the duodenal switch surgery is a laparoscopic procedure, the surgery is minimally invasive and the risks are less than more invasive procedures. Laparoscopic procedures often also result in less pain, shorter recovery times, and less bleeding than open surgeries.

A laparoscopic duodenal switch begins with the surgeon making small incisions in the areas of the middle abdomen and stomach. During the laparoscopic duodenal switch, the surgeon will use a laparoscope (a thin, lighted tube that is inserted into the incision) to guide him or her towards the stomach and intestines.

As the duodenal switch procedure progresses, the stomach stays attached to the beginning portion of the small intestine (the duodenum). The duodenum is then separated from the middle segment of the small intestine and attached to the lowest section. Thus, the duodenal switch surgery results in bypassing the majority of the small intestine. This bypass causes the body to reduce the amount of calories and fat it can absorb.

After the Procedure

The duodenal switch surgery produces wonderful results. Within two years of the procedure, patients typically lose 70 to 80 percent of their excess weight. Though most of the weight is lost within the first two years, it is kept off. This is a procedure that produces lasting results. Because of the quick weight loss, those who undergo a duodenal switch procedure may be advised by their duodenal switch surgeons to take supplements and vitamins to prevent the nutritional deficiencies that can occur. Often, these supplements should be taken for life.

For those in Southern California, and other regions in the state of California, duodenal switch surgeons at Life Lite Surgery can help remove your excess weight, restore your health, and find a brand new you. . We serve Banning, CA, Beaumont, CA, Palm Springs, CA, Palm Desert, Ca, Cathedral City, CA, La Quinta, CA, Rancho Mirage, CA, Indio, CA, Redlands, CA, Desert Hot Springs, CA, Thousand Palms, CA to name a few.

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