What can I expect after Biliopancreatic Diversion surgery?

Food intake is reduced and, is greater than that of other weight loss operations.  It is important to note that because food is not digested as normal a large portion of it will travel undigested through the reduced intestines.

After surgery, you will only be able to consume liquids.  From this, you can move onto semi-solid food such as soups and then, onto solids.  You may find that liquids are difficult to digest post-surgery because of some swelling around the small bowel and stomach.  This is entirely normal but there is a risk of dehydration and so you will be re-admitted to hospital for a day or so in order to re-hydrate.

There will be some pain following this procedure but you will be prescribed medication to deal with this.

As this is a malabsorptive procedure you will find that your ability to absorb vitamins and minerals from food is much reduced.  To avoid the risk of any deficiencies you will be required to take daily nutritional supplements for the rest of your life.  This and other dietary advice will form part of your aftercare programme.

Another rather unpleasant aspect of this procedure is adverse reactions from certain types of foods.  For example, starchy foods can cause bloating and gassiness.  High fat foods can result in flatulence and diarrhoea.  But, everyone is different when it comes to food absorption so this will vary from one person to another.

Weight loss following Biliopancreatic Diversion surgery

You will find that most of the weight loss from this surgery happens twelve to eighteen months after the procedure.  It tends to average around 70% of your present weight and 35% of your Body Mass Indicator (BMI).

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