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Bariatric Surgery

Biliopancreatic Diversion Surgery with Duodenal Switch for Weight Loss

#bypass surgery#roux-en-y gastric bypass
Aug 6 • 4 minute read
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Biliopancreatic Diversion surgery with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS) aims to help you lose weight by altering the size of your stomach and small intestine. It limits the amount of food you can eat and absorb. This surgery is highly effective for achieving significant weight loss and will allow you to eat normal sized meals eventually.

This procedure limits the amount of food your stomach can hold and controls the absorption of fat, calories, and nutrients into your bloodstream. It involves removing the lower two-thirds of your stomach and attaching the remaining portion to the distal segment of the small intestine. This way, the small intestine is shortened, significantly reducing nutrient absorption and resulting in weight loss.

What is the BPD/DS Procedure?

The surgeon closes off a portion of the stomach to create a smaller pouch and removes the rest of the stomach. He then divides the first section of your small intestine and attaches the last portion of your small intestine to it. This is called a duodenal switch.

After surgery, the food you eat goes through the newly formed smaller stomach pouch and empties into your small intestine’s farthest section. This bypasses a large part of your small intestine so less food is digested and absorbed.

The biliopancreatic diversion alters how bile and other digestive juices break down the food that you consume. This reduces the number of calories that get absorbed in your bloodstream, and affects gut hormones that impact hunger.

Do I Need the Duodenal Switch Procedure?

This surgery effectively treats obesity and associated disorders. It’s thought to cause more weight loss as compared to other bariatric surgeries. Your doctor may prescribe a BPD/DS procedure if you’re severely obese with a 50 or higher BMI. This surgery is also recommended if you have a BMI above 40, with chronic type 2 diabetes and other health complications such as:

  • Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Heart disease
  • Lung disease
  • Sleep apnea

Open Vs. Laparoscopic BPD/DS

BPD/DS can be conducted either laparoscopically or as open surgery. Here how these two types differ:

  • Open surgery – This is a traditional surgery, where the surgeon makes a cut into the abdomen and proceeds with all steps of the procedure.
  • Laparoscopic Surgery – The surgeon creates small incisions in the abdomen and uses tiny instruments with a lighted camera to perform the surgery.

A laparoscopic procedure doesn’t leave behind scares and ensures that you recover quickly. It also reduces the risk of infections, hernias, and other complications.

Benefits of a BPD/DS Procedure

  • Unlike other bariatric procedures, the duodenal switch procedure leaves you with a larger stomach. This ensures that you enjoy more satisfying portion sizes.
  • This procedure may reduce your body’s need for insulin. It is, therefore, effective in managing type 2 diabetes.
  • Most people experience over 60 percent weight loss after having this procedure. This is much higher when compared to other weight-loss surgeries.
  • The duodenal switch is a 3-4-hour procedure requiring a 1-2-night hospital stay.
  • The stomach and intestinal adjustment may curb hunger by eliminating hunger-causing hormones.
  • Recovery can take just several weeks.
  • Many calories get lost through malabsorption.
  • Effectively maintains weight loss over the years better than most bariatric procedures.

How Do I Prepare for a BPD/DS Weight-loss Surgery?

Before identified as a qualified candidate for this procedure, you will need to have an elaborate consultation with a surgeon, a dietician, and a bariatric nurse. These professionals will determine your health condition and decide if you qualify through an in-depth process for approval. Some of the requirements needed so you can undergo this surgery include:

  • Medical Tests Electrocardiogram (ECG) to measure the rhythm of your heart
  • Blood tests to determine your overall health
  • Chest X-ray to check your lungs

What Your Doctor Expects from You

Getting prepared for this surgery requires more than medical tests, you will need to be prepared physically and emotionally. The required life style changes include:

  • Stop smoking
  • Discuss emotional health and eating disorders with a counselor
  • Attend classes or read material on the procedure, expected results, and possible complications.

Information That Your Doctor Needs

  • Medical health history, so we ensure there are no risks from any past illnesses
  • Recent health changes, such as infections.
  • Sensitivity to medication or materials such as latex and tape.
  • History of bleeding disorders.
  • Use of blood-thinning medicines such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or others that may affect blood clotting.
  • Use of breathing disorder machines such as CPAP/BiPAP
  • Pregnancy

Atlanta Bariatric & General Surgery is one of the best bariatric surgery facilities in Alpharetta. Dr. Michael Williams and Dr. Brendon Curtis are highly committed to helping you achieve your optimal weight and lead a happy, healthy life. If you have more questions or need to schedule a consultation, get in touch with our friendly staff today, and we’ll walk with you every step of the way.

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  • In May 2021 I had a mild stroke(T.I.A) at the age of 39!!!! At the time of the stroke the doctors weighed me in at 335 pounds! The day of the surgery which was March 24th of this year I weighed 305 pounds. It hasn't been 6 months, and I lost 121 pounds! I eat plant-based, no bread, sugar, pizza, soda, fried foods as well as no meat. I was on diabetes medication; I had sleep apnea; I was on 3 blood pressure meds; along with 2 cholesterol meds! I'm no longer a diabetic, so I don't need the medication(You can get rid of diabetes!!) I got off all blood pressure, and high cholesterol meds; as well I no longer have sleep apnea (yes you can get rid of sleep apnea!!!!). As well I had zero complications from the surgery!! People will try to give you horror stories about people they know or heard of who had the surgery. HAVE THE SURGERY ANYWAYS!!!!!! Special thanks to Dr. Michael Williams, and his team (Michael Andrews, Dr. Curtis, and Tiffany)! Dr. Michael Williams performed the surgery!

    LLevi I

  • If you're thinking about getting a Bariatric surgery done, I certainly recommend Dr. Williams and Dr. Curtis. They are very knowledgeable and will guide you through your journey.

    I opted to get the sleeve done. My insurance required that I have a 6 month diet plan prior so I went to see Dr. Williams and Dr. Curtis every month to complete this.

    The ladies in the office are also ALL fantastic. They answer any questions you have and make you feel comfortable. I loved getting to see them monthly. They got to know me and my baby (she had to tag along for a lot of the visits) and have made this process an easy one. Rose, who handles the insurance and scheduling of the surgery has also been absolutely wonderful. She helped me to make sure that I could have surgery when my family would be in town.

    Before going anywhere else, make a visit. You certainly will not regret it! It could be the best decision you've ever made. It was for me.

    AAshley N.

  • Dr. Michael Williams is here to help in every way.. He’s extremely confident in his skilled surgical procedure. He puts you at ease and completes his job with excellence...I love the staff and the results! Dr. Michael Williams is the best practice.

    GGeorge C.

  • My bariatric surgery was the best thing I ever did for myself. I went from 252 lbs. to 130 lbs. Went from a size 32 to a size 6. My A1C has been staying in the normal range and I have been able to stop several meds. My GP practically does cartwheels when I come in because I have kept the weight off since 2014

    JJan

  • I had gastric bypass surgery on March 31 2008 and, not to sound cheesy, but it's one of the BEST decisions I've ever made. I was actually pretty healthy prior to having surgery - minus being about 110 lbs over weight - so, as silly as it may seem, my motivation for the operation was about 80% fashion based and 20% of just plain ole tired of being fat! I've always loved clothes and fashion but I absolutely hated shopping. There were only 2... maybe 3 stores I could find clothes in my size. I wanted to be able to walk into any mall and shop in any and every store in the building.

    When people ask me am I happy with the results I can honestly say "Yes!!!". I am now able to do what I wanted to accomplish. My dream was to be a size 12 and I have exceeded my own goal and have maintained my weight for the last 5 months. When you set a personal goal you have to make sure it's just that - personal - because if you base your decision to have this surgery to make someone else happy or if your decision has something to do with an aspect that YOU cannot control, no matter how small you get, you may never be satisfied with the results.

    The first few weeks are hard with all the protein shakes, sugar-free this and that, baby sips, chicken broth, dry mouth, and constant worry if you made the right decision. But, it's SOOOO worth it! I PROMISE! I use to have a pair of size 14 jeans hanging on my wall; they were my "motivation" jeans. I had to give them away to Goodwill last year because they were to big - THAT was my "WOW" moment. I encourage you find one for yourself...

    Weight prior to surgery: 273
    Clothes size: 22
    Shoe size: 11
    Bra size: 40 C/D

    Weight post surgery: 148-151
    Clothes size: 6 or 8
    Shoe size: 10 or 9 1/2 (amazing!!!)
    Bra size: 34 B (not so amazing *sad face*)

    AAnonymous

  • My name is Sharon Clark and for 5 years I struggled with obesity, I was on medications for high blood pressure, diabetes, and my mobility was limited due to severe knee problems.

    I met with Dr. Michael Williams in September of 2019 and he explained the weight loss options available to me and we decided that the gastric sleeve was the best option for me. I had my surgery on December 30, 2019, and I must say that this was the best decision I could have made for myself.

    To date, I have lost 109 pounds, I no longer have high blood pressure, or diabetes, and I am able to walk without any assistance, this surgery has truly changed my life. I would like to thank Dr. Michael Williams and his staff for their support during this journey.

    SSharon Clark

  • I have been a patient of Dr. Michael Williams for almost 7 years and I have always had the best care and outcome from him.

    In September 2013 I had the gastric sleeve procedure. I weighed 300 lbs, had sleep apnea, and high blood pressure. My blood sugar was also high. After the surgery, I was on 3 weeks of a liquid diet then I slowly added soft foods. I have lost 100 lbs and have kept it off. My sleep apnea is gone, I have no more high blood pressure and my blood sugar is normal.

    I'm very grateful to Dr. Williams for giving me a second chance at a healthier life. I have referred several of my friends to him, and they have all had a successful outcome from their surgeries.

    If you're thinking about having a weight loss procedure done, I would highly recommend Dr. Michael Williams.

    LLinda

  • I’m simply going to say that I’ll be looking forward to being able to enjoy some extra years with my beautiful and loving wife of 43 years.


    MY JOURNEY

    22-Mar-2007:
    K305-0 / W314-0
    Had lap-band surgery.

    2-May-2007:
    K270-35
    My band was tightened to 4.0cc and I have lost a total of 35 lbs. since 22-Mar-2007.

    8-Jun-2007:
    W276-38
    My band was tightened to 6.0cc.

    17-Jul-2007:
    W269-45
    My band was tightened to 7.0cc.

    17-Aug-2007:
    K255-50
    My total weight loss is now 50 lbs. I have definitely changed the type of food that I eat and the quantity of such. I can really eat anything that I want, but I seem to gravitate to ground steak, fish & chicken with a small amount of vegetables.

    04-Oct-2007:
    K250.0-55.0
    My total weight loss is now 55 lbs. and I have stayed there for the past 6-weeks. I’ve gone from a size 3XL shirt to a size XL. My waist size is now 44” – down from 52”. My blood studies look great. I’m no longer Diabetic! My recent Stress Test was outstanding for my age.

    07-Nov-2007:
    W256-58
    It was decided that another 0.5cc (7.5cc total) should be added to my band. Now if I eat too fast, my small stomach will hurt for about a minute or less. However, I can still eat a normal restaurant sized meal, if, I skip the salad & bread. My blood pressure is now normal – 115/70 to 130/80.

    03-Mar-2008:
    K245-60 / W253-61
    It was decided to add another 0.5cc to my band. Dr. William says that I now have 8.5cc total. I now notice that I’m belching more and seem to be eating smaller food portions.

    22-Apr-2008:
    I had a facelift, eyelid & browlift surgery - $14,000! No question about it, I look 15 years younger from the front and 68 from the rear. My 03-Mar-2008 tightening has not made any change in weight loss.

    11-Jun-2008
    K247-58 / W260-54
    I put on 5 lbs. during the past 2 months, so another 0.5cc was added to my band, for a total of 9.0cc. 10cc is normal and the band can be overfilled to a max of 12cc. My weight gain has been caused by eating too many calories – that simple. I notice that I’m now belching after I swallow a mouthful of water. The extra added 0.5cc hasn’t had any affect on my weight loss.

    20-Aug-2008
    K262-43 / W266-48
    At this point in my life, it’s very obvious that the Lap-Band is nothing more than a tool to help me loose weight. Because of lower-back problems, I have not been exercising on a regular basis. So, I end up sitting in front of my computer all day and snacking. Today Dr. Williams is going to add another 0.5cc to my band for a total of 9.5cc.

    20-May-2009
    K255-50 / W262-52
    A decision was made to add more Saline to my lap-band. My total is now 9.65cc. I now notice that I’m belching a little more than usual and eating a little less. I’m told that belching is good. Dr. Williams is talking about going to the normal 10.0cc level, but I’m not sure I want to do that. When I question his reasoning, he just smiles and ask me how often how often do I vomit – I don’t know what makes him think that I want to start... 19-Sep-2009 - Since this last adjustment, I have not loss or gained any weight. It's basically because I'm not being selective when it comes to the type of food that I'm shoving in the orifice below my nose...

  • Dr Williams is a wonderful surgeon. I'm so very grateful for all the time, hard work, and effort he made in order to become a physician and help save lives. I had a ruptured appendix and peritonitis and he took excellent care of me. Just prior to my surgery, I had multiple nurses tell me that he is the surgeon they would pick for their loved ones and that he is awesome. I agree completely. He personally checked on me every day I was in the hospital even on the weekend. For the follow up, I had no wait time. Please keep in mind the nature of his job, emergency surgeries become priority and could affect wait times which would not be his fault.
    Thank you, Dr Williams. I appreciate you and will keep you and your family in my prayers. I am extremely grateful that you helped save my life.

    JJen Gillespie

  • Dr. Williams is a very skilled surgeon. While I was at Northside Cherokee many nurses discussed he would be the one to do their surgery. I had a gastric sleeve. Don’t expect a fabulous bedside manner, he is not talkative. But he is more than willing to answer your questions without seeming rushed. I am five daysPost surgery and have really had no complications Related to the surgery. I was surprised though that neither of the hospital nor the doctors office have called to see how I am.

    SSuzanne F.

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