When you finally make the decision to lose weight and get healthy, you may need a little help along the way. As such, you find yourself considering weight loss surgery, particularly the duodenal switch procedure. However, before you choose one of the duodenal switch surgeons in your area and schedule an appointment, get to know some of the important facts about this weight loss surgery and the effect it can have on your life. Then, you will be able to make an educated decision about whether or not this is the right procedure for you.
What Is A Duodenal Switch Surgery?
The duodenal switch surgical procedure is actually officially known as a biliopancreatic diversion with a duodenal switch. During this surgical procedure, your doctor will remove a portion of your stomach. Then, the pylorus (the part of your stomach that controls drainage from the stomach) and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine just outside of the stomach) are rerouted to bypass a large section of your small intestine.
How Does This Procedure Help You Lose Weight?
Because a portion of the stomach is removed and the majority of the small intestine is bypassed, the duodenal switch surgery works in two ways to help you lose weight. The reduced size of your stomach means that you cannot consume as much food as you did previously.
When you add in the fact that much of the small intestine is bypassed, you also absorb fewer calories and nutrients during digestion. The reduced intake along with the lower caloric absorption results in rapid weight loss.
Do You Still Need To Diet After The Duodenal Switch Procedure?
While the duodenal switch can help you to lose a great deal of weight in a relatively short period of time, it is not in and of itself a cure for obesity. You do still have to eat a prescribed, healthy diet following surgery if you want to successfully lose weight and keep it off.
Foods to avoid are those that are high in fat and in refined or processed sugar. Sugar absorbs more slowly in the digestive system and can slow your weight loss or even cause you to continue to gain weight. Foods high in fat, on the other hand, can cause severe stomach upset including diarrhea and gas because your body can no longer properly absorb it.
Instead you will want to eat small meals comprised of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. You will need to eat more slowly following surgery as well. This is to ensure that you do not overeat as your stomach is so much smaller now. If you do overeat you will feel extreme discomfort, and may even vomit.
The same protocol goes for liquids. Avoid sugary drinks and drink clear liquids so that you do not overfill your stomach.
As you can see, there are several factors to consider regarding the duodenal switch surgery. So, if you are still interested in using this procedure to help you lose all of that excess weight, contact a duodenal switch surgeon and schedule a consultation as soon as possible.
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