Question:
What is the difference between distal and proximal?
My doctor will bypass 120 cm, is that enough, too much, not enough? What are the experinces of others? Is this distal or proximal? I didn't know to ask these questions at consult. Thank you. — Elizabeth .. (posted on March 11, 2003)
March 11, 2003
To the best of my knowledge,distal means that much more of your stomach
is bypassed and much less of the nutrients in the food you eat will be
absorbed.That's the reason why the weight generally comes off quicker.This
has a very high malabsorptive risk associated with it.Now,proximal on the
other hand has more of a lower malabsorptive risk,which means more of the
nutrients in food are absorbed better.I hope i gave you a clear enough
answer.
— Latisa B.
March 11, 2003
I can't remember exactly which is which, however I think the more intestine
that is bypassed, the greater the chance for complications. From what I
understand, the procedure bypassing the lesser amount is the safest and
most common these days. I seem to recall being told that proximal is the
procedure bypassing the most and distal is the 120cm bypass. I'm not
positive on the terms I could have them switched. I'm sure someone on this
site can answer your question in more detail.
— lyndaleigh
March 11, 2003
Hi Elizabeth, Proximal is any amount bypassed <i>under</i>
150cm and Distal is any amount bypassed <i>over</i> 150cm.
Some people also talk about "medial" but from what I've found
out, most doctors do not recognize medial. Bariatric surgeons either
bypass the same amount for everyone or they go the patient's BMI to
determine what amount should be bypassed. My surgeon went by my pre-op BMI
of 81 when he bypassed 200cm and SO glad he did! Good luck!!
— thumpiez
March 11, 2003
Thank you all for your answers. It sounds like 120cm will be just perfect
for me, my BMI is barely 42.
— Elizabeth ..
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