What is Biliopancreatic Diversion?

If you’ve tried to lose weight with different methods and nothing works, then biliopancreatic diversion might be the right option for you.

Well, it's a weight loss surgery in which the normal process of digestion is changed by making the stomach smaller, yet it's for people with a BMI of 50 or above. 

So, if you want to delve into this information and learn about its procedure, benefits, and possible complications, whether it is right for you or not, you can get all the information just by reading this article.

What is Biliopancreatic Diversion?

A biliopancreatic diversion is a weight loss surgery in which the normal process of digestion is changed by making the stomach smaller; however, it's for those people who have severe obesity, which means their BMI is 50 or above. After surgery, you will feel full more quickly than when the stomach was in its original form. Additionally, it helps to reduce the amount of food the patient will want to eat, and bypassing part of the intestine also means that a small amount of calories will be absorbed, which leads to weight loss.

However, there are two biliopancreatic diversion surgeries, which are biliopancreatic diversion and a biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, yet doctors will not perform the duodenal switch surgery except for severe obesity.

Why is Biliopancreatic Diversion Done?

This procedure is done to help you lose your excess weight and reduce the risk of possibly life-threatening weight-related health problems, which include:

• Severe sleep apnea.
• Type 2 diabetes.
• Stroke.
• Heart disease.
• High blood pressure.
• High cholesterol.
• Cancer.
• Infertility.

However, BPD is typically done only after you’ve tried to lose weight by improving your diet and exercise habits, but it's not for everyone, which means you likely will have an extensive screening process to see if you qualify for the surgery.

What Symptoms Indicate a Need for Biliopancreatic Diversion Surgery?

Here are some major factors that you should remember:

• You will be recommended for the surgery only if you have tried other weight loss techniques, such as lifestyle modification, diet, and working out, and nothing is helping you to lose weight.

However, this procedure is not for everyone. You need to undergo several evaluations that will determine if you are eligible for it or not, and if you qualify for it, then you will have to be ready to make lifelong changes in your lifestyle to lead a healthy life.

When Should You Consult A Doctor?

You should consult with the doctor if you experience the following issues such as:

• If you’re severely overweight.
• When your body mass index BMI is 50 or above.
• When you have tried other methods to lose weight, nothing works.

Diagnostic Tests Before Biliopancreatic Diversion

To check whether you’re eligible for the surgery or not, you may undergo several tests that will help the doctor understand your condition, which include:

• Blood tests to check overall health.
• Chest X-ray to check the lungs.
• An electrocardiogram (ECG) is used to check the heart rhythm.

How is Biliopancreatic Diversion Performed?

Before the Surgery 

Before surgery, you need to go through a deep process to get approved for the surgery which will help to determine whether you’re eligible for it or not and if it will help you or not.

You can discuss your doubts with your surgeon when you meet them for consultation.

You can also ask your doctor how you should prepare for your surgery and tell your doctor about any medicine that you take, including any counter medication, vitamins, herbs, or other supplements, so that they can guide you on which medication you need to stop.

Additionally, tell your doctor if you have issues such as:

• If you have any changes in your health, like any infection or fever.
• If you are allergic to any medicines.
• Have any history of bleeding disorders?
• If you are pregnant or thinking of pregnancy.

During the Surgery

The BPD surgery will be done as laparoscopic surgery by making several cuts (incisions), and then a tiny tool with a light and tiny camera is put into the small incisions. However, some use robotic tools to help do parts of the surgery.

However, in some cases, surgery may be done as open surgery, where the surgeon makes one large cut instead of several smaller ones so that they can see and use tools through this incision.

The surgery follows this procedure, which includes:

• When the surgery begins, you will be given anesthesia to block pain and make you sleep throughout the procedure.
• Then, the surgeon will create incisions, and then through these cuts, they will close off part of the stomach with staples to create a smaller new stomach pouch, and the rest of the stomach will be removed through cuts.
• Then the first part of the small intestine is divided and a very short part of the small intestine is brought up and attached to it.
• Then, the bypass part of the small intestine will be reconnected to the last part of the small intestine.
• Last, the surgeon will remove the tools and close the cuts with sutures, and staples.

After the Surgery

After surgery, you will be moved to the recovery room where you will be monitored and given medicine to control pain.

You will be asked to move out to the best from the day of your surgery to reduce blood clots in your legs, and you will get liquid nutrition, and your team will tell you when you are capable of going home.

However, in your initial days, you may experience stomach or bowel cramping or nausea, so you can tell your doctor if it's not improving with time.

You will be recommended to take your medications on time and ask your doctor when is the right time for shower, drive, return to work, and other activities as well.

Additionally, you will be asked to take daily supplements after surgery, which include:

• Vitamins A, D, E, and K
• Calcium supplements
• Vitamin B-12 supplements or injections
• Multivitamin
• Iron supplements

Also, work with your healthcare team after surgery to stay fit and make sure to follow the given instructions:

Follow your nutrition plan 

Get regular physical activity 

You should talk to your counselor or weight loss surgery support group so that they can help you adjust.

Is biliopancreatic diversion right for me?

Well, if you’re curious about whether the biliopancreatic diversion option is right for you or not, you should make an appointment with the doctor who will perform several evaluations to determine which weight loss surgery is right for you. However, for this procedure, your BMI should be 50 or above, and you should be healthy enough to tolerate the surgery.

Possible Risks of Biliopancreatic Diversion

As with any other surgery, biliopancreatic diversion also has some potential risks; however, these can be short-term and long-term, which include:

• Excessive bleeding.
• Infection.
• Reactions to anesthesia.
• Blood clots.
• Lung or breathing issues.
• Leaks in the gastrointestinal system.

Longer-term risks and complications include:

• Blockage of the bowel.
• Dumping syndrome
• Stomach perforation.
• Ulcers.
• Vomiting.
• Ongoing diarrhea.
• Gallstones.
• Hernias.
• Low blood sugar, known as hypoglycemia.
• Malnutrition.

What are the Benefits of Biliopancreatic Diversion?

• Its the most effective treatment option for weight loss as compared to any other weight loss procedure.
• It helps to enhance your quality of life by reducing the chances of life-threatening health conditions.
• Additionally, it also boosts your confidence and changes your perspective towards life and its well-being.

Is biliopancreatic diversion reversible?

,

Well, the answer is not clear because the malabsorption part of the procedure can be reversed and in around 2% of people there is severe malabsorption and nutrition deficiency which may require restoration of the normal absorption.

FAQs