FAQs about Biliopancreatic diversion/duodenal switch

Here are some of the most popular questions asked by patients.

Which is better, the BPD or the BPD with DS?

The BPD with duodenal switch – often called ‘switch’ for short is more commonly performed than the BPD. It results in very dramatic weight loss but is also the most risky of all the procedures.

Your surgeon will be able to advise you about the most suitable procedure for you.

Will I have to take vitamin and mineral supplements?

This procedure means that your ability to absorb food is affected hence the malabsorptive aspect. For the rest of your life you will have to take a daily nutritional supplement. This is to prevent the risk of deficiencies such as anaemia or osteoporosis (a bigger risk for women then men).

How much time will I need off work?

That depends on the type of job that you do. If you have an office based job then you are looking at a couple of more weeks away from work. You will need longer if you do a manual job.

What can I eat?

You can eat normal sized portions of food but this also means a diet high in protein (as much as double the usual amount), with carbohydrates and very little fat.

There is practically no risk of ‘dumping syndrome’ so you can eat something sugary but keep that to a minimum.

Your dietician will be able to advise you further.

Can you regain weight after this surgery?

Yes. You are able to eat normal sized portions unlike those patients who have undergone a gastric bypass or gastric band. However, if you consume more calories than you expend (burn off) then you will regain weight.

Ensure that you follow a sensible diet and take exercise and this will not happen.

That is a distinct possibility. Your skin will have stretched to accommodate the excess weight: once you lose vast amounts of weight this skin does not return to its original elasticity but remains in the same state. What this means is large, sagging folds which can rub against one another leading to skin rashes and infections.

These folds are also unsightly which causes patients to wear loose, baggy clothing to disguise that fact. One of the first things many patients do after surgery is to buy new clothes, to accommodate their newfound weight loss but feel embarrassed at other people seeing these loose folds of skin.

Fat is also lost but there are likely to be some stubborn deposits that cannot be shifted by diet and exercise alone. Cosmetic surgery techniques such as body contouring can help.

Biliopancreatic diversion surgery Guide sections

Biliopancreatic diversions guide sections

• Biliopancreatic diversion surgery an overview
• The benefits of Biliopancreatic diversion surgery
• The risks of Biliopancreatic diversion surgery
• Preparing for Biliopancreatic diversion surgery

• The procedure of Biliopancreatic diversion surgery
• After your surgery
• Aftercare following Biliopancreatic diversion surgery
• FAQs about Biliopancreatic diversion surgery