Duodenal Switch Preparation: Pre-Op Instructions for Patients

Countless patients have come to our Tijuana, Mexico weight loss surgery center looking to enhance their lives. Thanks to procedures like the duodenal switch, a healthier future and a more fulfilling lifestyle is within reach.

Duodenal switch patients will need to do a little work in the weeks before surgery to ensure the procedure goes by without a hitch. Let’s go over some of the basic pre-op instructions for duodenal switch patients.

Avoid Smoking and Chewing Tobacco

Tobacco products are bad or your health in general. They can also lead to problems after surgery, including a heightened risk of infection and poor healing times. Be sure to avoid cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco for at least two to four months before your duodenal switch surgery.

Avoid Alcohol Consumption

Like tobacco products, alcohol can also have a negative impact on healing times and your body’s ability to avoid infection. Avoid having alcoholic beverages for at least two weeks before your surgery.

Stop Taking Certain Medications and Supplements

If you are taking any medications or supplements, be sure to bring those up with your surgeon during the pre-op consultations. Certain medications such as steroids or blood thinners can have an impact on the surgical procedure and your recovery. Your surgeon may ask that you avoid using certain medications until after the procedure is completed.

Change Your Eating Habits

After duodenal switch surgery, your eating habits will change substantially. It’s a good idea to get used to these changes ahead of time. Patients should eat small meals multiple times a day rather than a few large meals. This helps make your transition into the post-op diet less abrupt.

Hydration and More Hydration

Proper hydration is a key component of good overall health. Be sure to drink lots of water before your surgery is performed. You’ll want to avoid fruit juices and sports drinks and focus on plain, clean water as your primary source of hydration.

Pre-Op Liquid Diet

As the date of surgery gets closer, surgeons will ask their patients to transition into an all-liquid diet. About two weeks before surgery, patients will stop consuming solid foods, moving instead to soft foods and liquids. Common items of this all-liquid diet include:

• Protein shakes
• Meal-replacement shakes
• Broths
• Vegetable juice
• Sugar-free beverages

This change helps facilitate further weight loss and also prepares your body for your post-op diet.

Run Errands Before Your Surgery

While you will stay at our surgical facility for monitoring and in a nearby hotel as part of your medical tourism trip, it’s a good idea to stock up on supplies for your home. Wash your laundry, fill prescriptions, and tidy up so that when you return to your place, you are ready to relax and continue the recovery process. Better to do this ahead of time than to rush around after surgery.

Go Over Post-Op Diet Restrictions for Your Grocery List

While you’re stocking up on groceries for the duodenal switch pre-op diet, be sure to refer to your post-op diet instructions as well. Protein shakes, broths, and creamy soups are going to make up a lot of your diet in the first two weeks or so. Consider stocking up ahead of time.

Discuss Your Questions and Concerns with Our Team

Duodental switch surgery is a major procedure and can be the source of some anxiety. We understand and want to make the process as relaxed as possible for you. Be sure to bring up any questions and raise any concerns you may have. We can offer honest insight into your issues, empowering you with knowledge as the surgery date approaches. Peace of mind is crucial, and we can offer it.

Contact Tijuana Bariatrics

For more information about duodenal switch and your many other options for surgical weight loss, be sure to contact the team at Tijuana Bariatrics today. We look forward to your visit and discussing these matters in greater detail.