Have you had duodenal switch surgery? Recommendations?

I had the procedure in February of last year. It was very challenging from the start. I caught a virus or something during the initial stay, so I was readmitted into the hospital for 8 or 9 days. After that ordeal, it took me the rest of the year to recover. I was constantly nauseous, weak and dry heaving. I'm now on the other side of all of that, thankfully. It's still an adjustment, but I'm glad I did it. Currently, I have lost 125 pounds and have 115 more to go.

That sounds like quite an ordeal, @netter9064. That's a lot of challenging symptoms over many months.

Tagging a few members who may have experiences with duodenal switch or who may have researched it and have information to share about what they learned and/or how they did after the surgery @dewey326 @gofishto @hnnhsndrsn @kattip @okienana.

After your ordeal post surgically, what makes you most glad that you did the operation, netter9064? Are you thinking you will continue to lose weight over time due to the surgery, or are you finding you have to create a plan to lose the 115 pounds remaining you wanted to lose?

I’m glad I had the surgery, 2002
I maintain weight 149-145. My vitamin d runs low 13-15 I take 50,000 daily I’m at 45-60. If I didn’t have surgery I probably wouldn’t be here today today.

Hi, @dewey326 - wondering about what your care team for your duodenal switch said about the complications to which you referred, such as eyesight changes? Are you still experiencing changes in your vision or anything else?

I had DS in 2013. I’ve recently been diagnosed with liver autoimmune disease that can affect absorption. I’m having trouble managing my nutrient levels and i haven’t been able to find a good dr for following (I moved to a new state in 2018). Any recommendations for finding a good RD or surgeon for follow up?

@nifty50co
It is hard to find new providers after moving. Do you have a new primary that can make recommendations?

Mayo has a website to find highly related hospitals by specialties, but your condition is not listed, but you can look at hospital ranking by state. This new website will be adding more specialties in future.
https://www.healthlocator.org/
More info on Health Locator:
https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/find-trusted-high-quality-hospitals-nationwide-with-healthlocator/
In addition, you can see if there is a clinic that is part of Mayo Clinic network is your area. These hospitals have full access to Mayo Clinic’s knowledge and expertise.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/about-mayo-clinic/care-network/network-members
In what area do you live? Maybe Connect members have recommendations.

@lisalucier I had cataracts that was due to the use of hydrochloriquin for RA. No other changes on the eyes

@roch, thanks for your reply! I’m in Colorado. My nutrient levels are off and I’m hoping to find someone to help me manage that.

I had duodenal switch surgery in 2002 in Alicante, Spain. (I live in California). Best thing I ever did!! So it was 22 years ago.
I went from a BMI of 43 to a BMI of 25 in just over a year & have maintained a weight of 135-140 ever since. Weight loss improved every aspect of my life; socially, physically, & emotionally.
I’ve had no complications, take a multivitamin twice a day & Viactiv 650mg Calcium with Vitamins D & K. 2-3 soft chews a day with meals.
I generally eat 4 small meals a day concentrating on high protein, low fat, & no sugar. I eat fruit and vegetables liberally; and healthy fats like avacados, nuts, & olives especially in salads. No processed foods.
Pasta or pizza as a treat about once a month.
I still have a protein shake about 2-3 x’s a week b/c it’s convenient. My favorite is Premier Protein 30 gms protein, 1 gm sugar; 160 calories per carton. I buy it at Costco but it’s readily available at WalMart & drug stores. I dilute it 1/2 strength with water - just my preference. My favorite flavors are Cafe latte, vanilla, chocolate, & strawberry.
I’m never hungry. I eat b/c it’s time to eat - such a big change from before surgery. And I love my current diet.
I see a Bariatric surgeon in California once a year for follow up with lab work. And my lab has been very stable always.
I exercise 4 x’s a week - Tai Chi at 7 am in the park & walk 1 mile. And in the summer I swim 2-3 x’s a week.
Best wishes with your surgery.
Keep us posted how you’re doing.