Let's look at recovery from duodenal switch surgery.
The procedure may be more involved than others, yet the overall healing experience for bariatric surgery patients is similar.
Focus on Resting Initially
Getting ample rest is an important part of a full and rapid recovery after the bariatric procedure is performed. You will be in our facility to monitor your post-op wellness, which means that you can rest assured and rest easy since you will be in good hands.
Even after you return home following your short stay at our surgical center, you'll want to avoid major physical activity, like heavy lifting, cardio, and so forth. These activities can be resumed after a few weeks have passed. Most patients are back doing most of their common activities by the end of a month.
Follow-up Care to Ensure All Goes Well
During your early days of recovery, we will be sure to check your vitals and note how you are feeling. We will also be sure to check for any leaks or potential warning signs of complications. While duodenal switch is safe and we have performed the operation countless times, we want to go that extra mile when it comes to preventing problems.
Walking to Promote Circulation
Even though you'll want to avoid heavy exercise after duodenal switch procedure, light walking is recommended. By walking for just a few minutes each day, you can promote circulation and prevent the formation of harmful blood clots. If a blood clot forms due to being sedentary or stuck in be, this can result in a serious complication.
As the days continue, you can increase the amount of walking that you do as a way of gearing you up for regular exercise in the coming weeks and months ahead.
When Can I Return to Work?
For most duodenal switch patients, the average amount of time needed for full recovery is about four weeks to six week. That said, most patients are able to return to their jobs by the end of two weeks.
Keep in mind that the field you work in and the nature of your job duties may mean taking additional time off from work. This can be discussed in more detail during your consultation.
Changes to Your Diet After Duodenal Switch Surgery
During the first month of recovery, patients will transition from an all-liquid diet back into solid foods. Since your stomach has under major changes, this dietary shift serves a few purposes:
- It prevents discomfort in the early phase of surgery
- It helps you gauge changes in your appetite
- It helps you develop new eating habits after surgery
- It promotes rapid and safe weight loss early on
Patients will be given careful guidelines for the entire recovery process, starting with clear liquids as a step toward broths and creamy soups and soft solid foods.
How Much Weight Loss Can I Expect?
This can vary from patient to patient, but patients will lose around half a pound to a full pound per day for the first three months after surgery. The rate of weight loss will slow down after the first three months, and then plateau or level off by the end of a year to a year and a half. Patients should notice improvements in general wellness by that point thanks the weight loss, the improved diet, and the regular exercise routine.
Learn More About Duodenal Switch Procedure
People know that our Tijuana weight loss surgery center achieves excellent results thanks to our focus on state-of-the-art, patient-focused care. Part of this means going over the surgical recovery process with our patients. When they know what to expect, they are often more confident and have realistic expectations about the healing process.
For more information about the duodenal switch surgery recovery and how it can help you achieve a more ideal weight, be sure to contact our bariatric surgery center today. Our team looks forward to your visit and helping you reach your weight loss and wellness goals.
