There are many types of weight loss surgeries. While they all have the same goal, they can work in different ways and have different benefits. Biliopancreatic diversion is one such surgery. It can help patients suffering with obesity lose weight and reverse comorbidities.
What is Biliopancreatic Diversion?
Similar to gastric bypass surgery, BPD is a surgery that creates a smaller stomach. However, in addition to a smaller stomach, there is less absorption of food in the intestine. This procedure changes the normal process of digestion. It makes the stomach smaller and allows food to bypass a portion of the small intestine. As a result, patients absorb fewer calories and can lose weight.
With or Without Duodenal Switch 
During Biliopancreatic diversion, a portion of the stomach is removed. Then, the distal part of the small intestine is connected to the pouch. This procedure may be performed with or without duodenal switch.
During a BPD with duodenal switch, the surgeon removes a different part of the stomach and leaves the pylorus intact. This is the valve that controls food drainage from the stomach. This is a more drastic procedure and is typically only performed on patients with a BMI over 50, patients with serious health problems related to obesity.
How It Works
After your biliopancreatic diversion you will feel full more quickly. Since the stomach is smaller, you can only eat a reduced amount of food. Additionally, bypassing part of the intestine means that you will absorb even fewer calories. Therefore, patients can achieve weight loss.
Extremely Effective
First, BPD is highly effective and successful. It produces long-term results and helps prevent future instances of obesity. In fact, BPD ensures that there is a maintenance of weight loss of around 80% of the excess weight even 10 years post-surgery.
Diabetes Resolution
Since this procedure leads to weight loss, it can improve your mobility and enhance your quality of life. This also boosts self-esteem and gives patients a better sense of living. Additionally, it can alleviate other health issues or illnesses caused by obesity. For example, biliopancreatic diversion can help patients reduce high blood pressure and resolve type two diabetes.
Biliopancreatic Diversion in Maryland
To find out if this is the right weight loss surgery for you, please contact Maryland Bariatrics today.
