Duodenal Switch Recovery

The duodenal switch procedure, known in the medical community as the biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, is a weight-loss surgery that involves the removal of part of the stomach and a bypass of most of the small intestines. This procedure causes restriction and malabsorption of food intake as a means for weight loss. As of 2011, there were approximately 20,000 duodenal switch surgeries done each year in the United States. According to the surgery textbook, "Schwartz' Principles of Surgery," at 18 months post-surgery, the average excess weight loss amounts to 70 percent. The duodenal switch is an effective weight loss surgery, but recovery time and course varies among individuals.

Instructions

1. Expect to be in recovery for three to four weeks after surgery. This time varies from person to person.

2. Start out by taking in only fluids immediately after surgery. Gradually you will progress to eating pureed foods and then to solid foods as you can tolerate.

3. Expect to experience unpleasant side effects to certain foods. This varies between individuals, but generally fatty foods cause diarrhea and carbohydrate-rich foods cause gas and bloating.

4. Expect to take nutritional supplements for the rest of your life. In patients who have undergone duodenal switch surgery it is common to have to take Vitamin A, Vitamin D and calcium, plus any other supplements recommended by your physician.

5. Expect to lose most of your weight within the first 12 to 18 months after the duodenal switch procedure.

6. Continue to manage your weight with diet and exercise.

References

• Obesity Help: Duodenal Switch Frequently Asked Questions
• Consumer Guide to Bariatric Surgery: Duodenal Switch
• "Schwartz's Principles of Surgery, Ch. 27"; Bruce Schirmer, M.D., Philip R. Schauer, M.D.; 2010