Biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) is a type of surgery that inhibits the amount of food allowed into the stomach'it restricts both food intake and the number of calories and nutrients the body absorbs. More specifically, the surgery removes approximately 70% of the stomach, making the stomach much smaller, which helps promotes weight loss for people who suffer from obesity.

Additionally, BPD alters the typical process of digestion by enabling food to bypass part of the small intestine resulting in fewer absorbed calories. This creates a feeling of fullness quicker than you would normally experience.

There are two biliopancreatic diversion surgeries: a biliopancreatic diversion and a biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch.

? In the biliopancreatic diversion surgery, a portion of the stomach is removed. The remaining part of the stomach is joined to the lower portion of the small intestine.

? In the biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch surgery, a smaller portion of the stomach is removed, but the rest of the stomach stays attached to the duodenum, or the upper part of the small intestine. The duodenum gets attached to the lower part of the small intestine.

These operations can be done two ways: by making a small incision in the stomach, an open procedure, or by making a large incision in the stomach and using small tools and a camera to guide the surgery, otherwise known as laparoscopic surgery.

In the Biliopancreatic diversion procedure, a small pouch remains that is connected directly to the last piece of the small intestine, entirely bypassing the duodenum and the jejunum. Pancreatic secretions and bile flow through the bypassed biliopancreatic channel. The place where all of the fluids?bile and pancreatic digestive fluids?and food are combined is the common channel. These fluids help break down fats and nutrients that the body absorbs and mixes before entering the colon. Surgeons who perform these procedures utilize a variety of formulas to decide how long each channel should be according to the patient's body and their needs.

Recent studies showed that after the biliopancreatic diversion, patients lost 72% of their excess body weight, and furthermore, that weight loss was maintained for 18 years.

Please be aware that this procedure could cause dumping syndrome, which occurs when food moves too rapidly through the stomach and intestines. Weakness, nausea, sweating, faintness, and diarrhea may be experienced right after eating. It is important to note that in a biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, this dumping syndrome does not occur.

Most doctors will consider this procedure only for patients who have had trouble losing weight by other methods, and who are at a high risk for developing serious health problems as a result of their weight. Surgery is typically considered when you have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or if you have a disabling or life-threatening condition related to your weight.

Take your time finding someone you can trust, and feel comfortable with, to perform this procedure for you. Make sure it's a highly qualified health professional with expertise in the specialty you are interested in.