Duodenal switch surgery
In a biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, a smaller portion of the stomach is removed through making small key hole incisions (laparoscopic surgery), but the remaining stomach remains attached to the duodenum (the upper part of the small intestine). The duodenum is connected to the lower part of the small intestine. The fact that the duodenum stays in place leads to the main advantage of duodenal switch as a form of weight loss surgery which is that dumping does not occur.
Duodenal Switch Preparation
As part of your Duodenal Switch preparation abroad you will fill out a detailed bariatric specific questionnaire, which will allow the doctors that we work with to determine your eligibility for the procedure. If you are not ready to make lifestyle changes (and have not tried hard to do so already), you will not be considered eligible for the procedure. After hospital admission, you will receive psychological advice. This will help you adhere to a healthier lifestyle. Without changing your lifestyle, the surgery will not be a success. You will also receive nutritional counseling before (and after) your surgery.
Duodenal Switch recovery
Most people typically stay in the hospital for 4 days or less after duodenal switch surgery, followed by a stay in a nearby hotel for 4-7 days. Your doctor will approve your return back home once you can do the following:
- Move without too much discomfort
- Eat liquid and/or pureed food without vomiting
- No longer require pain medication given by injection
You will remain on liquid or pureed food for several weeks after the surgery. Even after that time, you will feel full very quickly, sometimes only being able to take a few bites of solid food. This is because the new stomach pouch initially only holds a tablespoonful of food. The pouch eventually expands. However, it will hold no more than about one cup of thoroughly chewed food (a normal stomach can hold up to one quart).
Upon follow up, your doctor will determine if you need replacement of iron, calcium, vitamin B12, or other nutrients. Supplements, such as a multivitamin with minerals, will be prescribed to provide any nutrients that you may not be getting from your diet. This lack of nutrients can occur because you are eating less and because the food moves through your digestive system more quickly.
Once your diet begins to consist of more solid food, remember to chew each bite very slowly and thoroughly.
You will be instructed on eating small meals frequently throughout the day, rather than large meals that your stomach cannot accommodate.
Exercise and the support of others (for example, joining a support group with people who have undergone weight loss surgery) are extremely important to help you lose weight and maintain that loss following gastric bypass. You can generally resume exercise 6 weeks after the operation. Even sooner than that, you will be able to take short walks at a comfortable pace, with the approval and guidance of your doctor. Exercise improves your metabolism, while both exercise and attending a group support can boost your self-esteem and help you stay motivated.
About WorldMed Assist
Experts in medical tourism, WorldMed Assist’s mission is to improve lives by helping patients receive high quality medical treatment abroad at affordable prices. WorldMed Assist coordinates and simplifies every aspect of care and travel. WorldMed Assist also provides medical tourism as an option for self-insured businesses seeking expanded and affordable healthcare options for employees. Surgeries in India, Turkey and other carefully selected destinations matched with the client’s needs are significantly less expensive than in the U.S., yet delivered with the same or higher quality care and results as set by U.S. standards. Waiting times are virtually eliminated, track records are proven, and facilities are state-of-the-art. For more information, go to www.worldmedassist.com/. The above information is provided to you by WorldMed Assist, Medical Tourism experts, courtesy of orthopedic device manufacturer Smith and Nephew. The information is general in nature and therefore may not apply to you. You should consult with your physician about your specific situation.
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