Biliopancreatic Diversion (BPD) is a type of weight loss surgery that is not commonly done today as surgeons prefer the gastric bypass more. Despite this, there are people that prefer having this operation done since the amount of weight loss with this type of surgery is greater than the most common types of weight loss surgeries. While other surgeries have a range of 50% – 70% weight loss after the surgery, the biliopancreatic diversion surgery can achieve weight loss at the range of 60% – 80%.

Also known as the Scopinaro procedure, BPD is used to cure severe obesity. The surgery is done by removing a part of the stomach and bypassing the duodenum and jejunum of the small intestine.  Removing part of the stomach is necessary so that the food intake is limited, while the bypass is done so that absorption of nutrients is lessened. The malabsorptive element of the operation is the factor responsible for the very high rate of weight loss.

During a BPD operation, a surgeon staples a portion of the upper stomach to create a pouch which can hold approximately 6 ounces of food.  The lower part of the stomach will then be removed from the body. After doing this procedure, the surgeon will then connect the pouch to the final section of the small intestine, called the ileum.  By doing this, the patient will be unable to digest the food they eat fully which leads to a lesser intake of nutrients. Yet, the duodenum will still be connected to the lower portion of the intestine so that the digestive juices produced by the small intestine will still mix with the food to be digested.   The bariatric surgeon can adjust the size of the stomach and the length of the channel as needed by the patient’s condition.   This surgery can be done either through the use of a laparoscope or through the traditional open type of surgery.

Not all people can be candidates of a biliopancreatic diversion surgery because the procedure carries with it perioperative and postoperative risks.  Individuals who have a high body mass index with complications, a history of weight loss failure, and are emotionally stable to undergo the surgery can be qualify for a biliopancreatic diversion surgery.

The most common problem that can be faced after having a BPD bypass is malnutrition. Malnutrition is a lifelong health risk and can only be remedied by following strict nutritional plans and taking vitamin supplements. Because of the malabsorptive effect of the operation, malnutrition cannot be avoided so maintenance has to be followed in order to avoid nutritional complications like anemia and osteoporosis.

Before deciding if this is the right weight loss system for you, make sure that you coordinate with your medical practitioner so that he will be able to guide you in your decision making.  Surgeries, in general, carries with it risks, including that of severe complications and even death, which is why it will still be best to get appropriate medical advice before deciding.