Biliopancreatic DiversionAbout The Procedure
While nothing can replace the healthier alternative of weight loss through exercise and diet, bariatric, or weight loss surgeries such as Biliopancreatic Diversion can help. Biliopancreatic Diversion differs from other weight loss surgeries like gastric bypass and laparoscopic band surgery because it involves the actual removal of portions of the stomach.
Procedure Description
Biliopancreatic Diversion removes three-quarters of the stomach to restrict food input and acid output, and employs the malabsorption technique by reducing the area in which calories and nutrients can be absorbed. The stomach pouch that remains is larger than with other restrictive processes, and connected directly to the final segment of the small intestine and completely bypasses the duodenum and jejunum, where a large percentage of absorption of protein, fat and nutrients takes place.
Best Candidates for Biliopancreatic Diversion
Biliopancreatic Diversion is a more complicated surgery than gastric bypass or lap band surgery, and is usually reserved for the morbidly obese with a Body Mass Index of over 50.
Length of the Procedure
Biliopancreatic Diversion surgery typically takes 2 to 3 hours, depending on the extent of the procedure.
Anesthesia
Patients receive general anesthesia for Biliopancreatic Diversion surgery.
Inpatient or Outpatient?
Biliopancreatic Diversion surgery is performed on an inpatient basis.
Possible Side Effects
While the stomach area remains somewhat larger that the stomach area in a bypass or lap band procedure, patients must still be careful about portion control to avoid nausea and sickness.
Recovery
Recovery time from Biliopancreatic Diversion can be longer due to the more complex nature of internal surgery, so expect a four to six day stay at the hospital. Patients recovering from BPD report feeling sore and tired, but are released from hospital after observation to return home.
The stomach and redirected portions of the intestine will need time to heal, and activity will be minimal for about one week.
Duration of Results
While weight loss surgery can be of great benefit, no bariatric surgery works entirely by itself. Patients must make lifestyle changes to enhance results. Good diet, regular physical activity and health care are essential to the success of any surgery. Most weight loss surgery requires a minimum of one year’s worth of monthly follow-up visits, however, patients who undergo Biliopancreatic Diversion must see their doctors regularly to ensure good health and nutrition.
Risks
Since Biliopancreatic Diversion surgery is based on malabsorption, it carries some added risks, because nutrients which cannot be absorbed by the body may cause nutrition-related health problems.
The stomach and redirected portions of the intestine will need time to heal, and activity will be minimal for about one week. After two weeks the patient should feel better and able to return to work and light exercise.
Cost
If medical insurance does not cover this procedure, expect to pay $15,000 to $20,000 for Biliopancreatic Diversion surgery.
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