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What is the Duodenal Switch?

There are not many bariatric surgeons specialized in performing the duodenal Switch bariatric weight loss surgery. Duodenal Switch Surgery (DS) complexity is due to the important malabsorptive and metabolic aspects of the whole picture and is accomplished through the intestinal bypass effect that the process implies. As a consequence of the procedure, Duodenal Switch Surgery patients in Mexico eat in a relatively normal and free manner meanwhile their metabolism behaves pretty much to the one in a lean person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe for me to go to Mexicali?

Yes, it is safe for you to travel to Mexicali. While it is true that some cities were experiencing violence issues not too long ago it was not in the entire country. Mexicali was not one of the cities that the US government was advised not to travel to. In the 14 years + we have been doing weight loss surgery we have not had a single incident of violence. Normal precautions are to be taken like in any city in the US and the world.

Will I lose weight?

Yes! You will lose weight and keep it off. This is the beauty of surgery; it will help you keep it off long term. 90% of Mexicali Bariatric Center’s patients are keeping weight off with the help of the sleeve for example. You just need to follow a few simple rules to help you maintain your weight loss permanently. You will have your “weight loss tool” forever. , If you are ready we can help you be part of the 90% success group.

Are standards the same as in the US?

Yes! While we cannot speak of all hospitals or medical centers in Mexico, we can assure you that at Almater Hospital standards are up to par with US and Canadian hospitals. Daily lab tests are taken at the ORs for quality control, as well as government health department inspections. Our hospitals have been granted the “ SAFE BUSINESS” certification from the government. Larger Hospitals and specially private hospitals, such as Almater Hospital, are under close supervision to ensure safety to patients. This is not the case in smaller clinics or medical centers unfortunately.

Will I have complications?

While we cannot guarantee that no one will have a complication, no doctor in any field can, really we can tell you that complication rate at Mexicali Bariatric Center is well under the worldwide averages. We are at about half the complication rate published in the US.

Can I trust the Doctors?

Yes! Dr. Dr Wilhelmy and Dr Esquerra are one of the best bariatric surgeons worldwide. Peers have recognized their work and most importantly patients recommend them constantly. In fact, they redo many surgeries that were not done correctly elsewhere, even some done in the US!

Will I regain Weight?

In our 14+ years of experience here are the 5 things we know will help you keep your weight off permanently.

– Plan your meals and snacks.

– Eat every 4 hours, meal or snack, do not skip meals

– Avoid liquid calories

– Do not drink with your meals.

– Stay accountable; join a WLS support group, online if not one available in your city.

Restrictive aspect:

This part of the process is virtually considered a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. Patients that have been through Duodenal Switch will experience food restriction rates that will change over time within a process called ‘pouch maturation’, reached about 9 to 12 months after DS surgery. At first stance, the patient’s stomach seems small, and it’s the starting point for weight loss. Then the stomach will stretch out gradually until reaching a food intake about half or two-thirds the amount of food they would eat before undergoing a Duodenal Switch procedure. And even though the stomach becomes of a smaller size after DS, none of it’s functions change.

These changes allow patients to enjoy different foods. Patients become able to follow their diet, knowing that quantities and digestion will become favorable for them by being capable of controlling their intake and limiting to the healthiest food available. One of the possible advantages for Ds patients -as opposed to those with a Gastric Bypass (RNY)- Duodenal Switch patients can eat dense protein(pork, steak, stew meat beef) with no problem at all, considering these as healthy protein sources. The anatomic configuration after DS provides patients of much healthier eating. Still, this freedom implies certain responsibility. While able to eat freely, DS patients must observe the healthiest way of eating possible their bodies allow. This is the restrictive part of a DS procedure.

Malabsorptive aspect:

Intestines are divided and rearranged so food is separated from digestive juices. The alimentary limb (the intestine portion carrying food) receives food from the stomach and is attached to the duodenum, and comprises less than half of the body’s intestinal tracts, consisting of the downstream of the intestine and the reaction to food it presents is rather different to the one by the upstream part of the intestine, the bypassed portion.

This bypassed portion carries digestive juices originated in the liver and pancreas and also consists of more than half of total intestinal length, joining the food limb towards the last 75 to 100 cm of the intestine (known as a common limb). This last portion is the only one capable of absorbing lipids, starches, fats, and other complex carbohydrates. The size reduction of the intestine allows Duodenal Switch patients efficiently, since it is less than half of the intestine providing such function, so the excess starches and fats are excreted from the body in stool. 2 to 4 bowel movements a day are average for DS patients eating properly, while the ingestion of indigestible starches and lipids bring patients to experience a higher number of bowel movements per day.

Metabolic aspect:

Aside from the restrictive and malabsorptive nature of Duodenal Switch, there’s also a metabolic effect, whose improved mechanisms have a positive impact on weight loss. Apart from absorbing sugars and proteins from food intake, the alimentary limb of the intestines also secretes a hormone named enteroglucagon (also known as GLP-1) when undigested food is present. This secretion is enhanced after a Duodenal Switch procedure, since this part of the intestine is rearranged, thus causing an earlier pass of food through the alimentary limb. Also, the body normally secretes insulin as a response to carbohydrate consumption, but enteroglucagon is able to suppress this response so it reduces the total carbohydrate to be converted to and stored as fat.

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