Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch FAQs: Is It Right for You?
A life-changing weight loss surgery
Committing to a healthy diet and regular exercise can certainly make a positive difference for people who want or need to lose weight. But sometimes, these efforts alone are not enough.
The decision to undergo weight loss surgery can be life-changing for someone who has been unsuccessful in achieving their weight loss goals using more traditional methods.
The biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) procedure is the ideal choice for many patients and can be considered by those who turn to Beebe’s Center for Weight Loss Surgery.
This article provides answers to some of the questions we hear most frequently about the BPD-DS procedure, and the long-term impact it can have on patients’ lives.
How is the biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch procedure performed?
BPD-DSis a sophisticated weight loss surgery that involves two critical phases in the operating room. First, the surgeon performs a sleeve gastrectomy (gastric sleeve surgery) to create a tube-shaped stomach pouch, which significantly reduces the size of the stomach and the amount of food that a patient can consume.
Then, during the second phase of the procedure, the surgeon reroutes the small intestine to make it significantly shorter. This decreases the number of calories that can be absorbed, as the patient eats and drinks.
Who is a candidate for BPD-DS?
BPD-DS is typically offered to severely obese patients who have a body mass index (BMI) of 50 or higher, and who have not been successful with other weight loss methods.
This surgery may also be an option for patients with a BMI of 35 or higher, who have one or more obesity-related health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes or hypertension, and who previously underwent the sleeve gastrectomy procedure but have since experienced significant weight gain.
As is the case with all bariatric surgical procedures, BPD-DS requires extensive screening by the clinical care team and a commitment to lifestyle changes, in order to achieve long-term success.
What are the benefits and risks of BPD-DS surgery?
Benefits
Patients who undergo BPD-DS surgery can lose 70 to 80 percent of their excess body weight within about two years.
Additionally, patients can experience improvement or even remission of obesity-related conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and sleep apnea.
Risks
It is also important to understand the risks associated with undergoing BPD-DS surgery. Malnutrition and vitamin and mineral deficiencies are possible, as patients undergo surgery and recovery from their procedure.
This underscores why regular nutritional counseling is important, and a key part of Beebe’s multidisciplinary approach to weight loss. Nutritional counseling helps assure the patient has medical oversight and that their body remains properly nourished with important vitamins and minerals as they make necessary dietary changes.
How long does it take to recover after having the biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch procedure?
BPD-DS is a complex procedure, and it is important to go into the process understanding that your body will need time to heal, following surgery. But the physical recovery process may not be as long or complicated as you may think.
Most patients are admitted to the hospital for just one night following surgery and then spend a few weeks at home recovering.
During recovery, you can expect a gradual reintroduction of food.
We will also be encouraging you to begin moving, and incorporating simple yet important exercises into your daily routines.
Every patient’s recovery process is different, and our team will be here to guide you every step of the way.
How can I get more information about this procedure?
If you are interested in duodenal switch surgery or another bariatric procedure, you can attend a free weight loss surgery seminar or call Beebe’s Center for Weight Loss Surgery for more information at 302-260-7360.
