Weight loss surgeries are recommended for obese patients that may have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 and higher. These are very effective and fast solutions to lose weight. These procedures are often suggested to patients that have obesity-related health diseases such as diabetes type 2, heart diseases, fatty liver disease, severe sleep apnea, and even lung disease.
However, for obese patients that have BMI of 50 and higher, biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) is advised. This is a surgery that has three procedures, increasing the rate of weight loss for patients. Just like gastric bypass, BPD/DS is non-reversible and has side effects that patients should consider before having the surgery performed.
With the success rate of BPD/DS, life expectancy for patients is improved. They can also enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling life as long as they follow nutritional and lifestyle guidelines. Know more about this procedure and its benefits here.
Procedure
Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch has three procedures. First is the sleeve gastrectomy. This procedure creates a narrow tube that has the same size and shape as a banana by stapling the stomach. This removes around 80% of the stomach. The sleeve can only hold a small amount of food.
The second procedure of BPD/DS connects the stomach sleeve with the lower part of the small intestine. The upper part of the small intestine is where most food are digested and nutrients absorbed. By rerouting the pathway of food, this decreases the amount of calories that the patients can absorb from the food.
The last procedure of BPD/DS attaches the first half of the small intestine to the end of the lower small intestine. This part is called the duodenum and it contains enzymes and bile that digests food further before going into the large intestine. The third procedure contributes to faster and more efficient weight loss.
Benefits
Since BPD/DS is a procedure that has immediate and drastic results, it is best for patients whose BMI exceeds 50. The three procedures of BPD/DS ensure that patients lose weight right after the procedure and they continue to do so until the ideal weight is achieved.
It is also better to choose BPD/DS is patients are looking for a stable weight loss even years after the procedure. This surgery can also help manage diabetes better than gastric bypass and other surgical procedures.
Side Effects
Just like other open bariatric surgery, there are risks in having BPD/DS performed. BPD/DS patients can suffer from chronic nausea and vomiting and dumping syndrome. Another side effect that patients should know about is the increased risk of nutrient deficiency.
BPD/DS reduces the amount of vitamins and minerals that the body absorbs. This might lead to the development of long-term health conditions linked to nutrient deficiencies. BPD/DS patients are also exposed to higher risk of anemia and osteoporosis due to malabsorption of iron and calcium.
It is important for BPD/DS patients to regularly take bariatric multivitamins so their body can get all the essential nutrients. This prevents any risk of nutrient deficiencies and allows the body to remain healthy.
