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.

LAP-Band Surgery is a type of weight loss surgery that alters the stomach’s original condition to help reduce food intake. The surgery got its name from the device that is placed around the top of the stomach to limit the amount of food you eat.  The Lap-band is simply an adjustable silicone gastric belt implanted around the stomach to make you to control your hunger, eat less and feel full sooner. One distinct advantage of the Lap-Band system is that you are able to adjust the band, through a port, which can be inflated as time goes by to make you lose weight faster.

Not all obese people can be eligible for the Lap-Band surgery, only people that have a body mass index between 35 to 39 with complications such as diabetes and hypertension can be considered candidates for the said surgery. People with BMI over 40 are also eligible candidates of the Lap-Band. The eligibility criteria for the surgery is needed so that the costs can be subsidized by the National Institute of Health or the individual’s insurance policy, however, if one does not pass the criteria for the surgery, he can actually pay for the cost of the surgery himself

LAP-Band Surgery is done by making a series of small incisions, with your surgeon making use of a camera, called a laparoscope, to see where to place the Lap-Band.  The Lap-Band is then placed around the stomach and held in place with sutures. As mentioned, the Lap-band system has with it a port which enables the person to adjust the device.  This port is placed under the skin on the upper part of the abdomen.  After having everything in place, usually an hour, the surgery is considered done.

Recovery after this weight loss surgery is fast and will enable you to return to doing your normal activities the week following the surgery.  Discomfort associated with the surgery is minimal.  A nutritional plan has to be followed in order to help your stomach adjust to its new anatomy.  Initially, the nutritional plan will consist of liquid diet and then will slowly reintroduce soft foods and solid foods later when you will be able to tolerate it. Exercise programs will also be recommended by your medical practitioner to help in the recovery process.

Frequent follow-up visits are necessary so that band adjustments can be made.  These adjustments are done by injecting a saline solution in the port to tighten the band. On the average, it would take six to eight band adjustments in the first eighteen months after a Lap-Band surgery.

This weight loss system will enable a patient to lose 50% of excess body weight approximately two years after the procedure.  Because of this weight loss, additional plastic surgery may be needed to be done to achieve ideal body figure. The surgery can cost between $17000 to $20000 depending on the state where the surgery is to be performed.  However, despite this cost, many people prefer to have a Lap-Band surgery to help them solve their weight problems.