Question:
What does it mean when the doctor TRANSECTS

the stomach in gastric bypass surgery? Also, what is the difference between proximal and distal bypass, and which one is better? I read the definitions for the latter two, but I am still having trouble understanding. I only met with my surgeon once before I started all the pre-op testing. At that time, I wasn't educated enough to ask these questions. I just completed all my required tests and evaluations. I will see him this month and will ask him about this, but in the meantime, does anyone have an explanation for me? Thanks so much, Marcia    — marcia5000 (posted on April 3, 2009)

April 3, 2009
"Transect" means they cut and then staple and stitch your stomach into two separate sections...One is your pouch the other is your old acid producing part of the stomach which stays in your body, still producing acid that is rerouted at the "Y" in the Rn"y" area....As for proximal and distal meanings...That is the distance that your intestines are cut and determine how much malabsorption you will have...There is actually another cut in the middle of those two called medial...Imagine your small intestines as a straight ruler...Medial cut would be right in the center between distal and proximal....It will cause about 50% malabsorption...Distal is rarely done because it is the closest cut and the MOST malabsorption of fats and nutrients...it is about 75 % malsorption and is VERY drastic...and proximal the most common is furthest leaving more of your small intestines to absorb...It is about 20-25 % malabsorptive.... Distal 70-75%------medial 50%------proximal 20-25% The more small intestines they leave after the stomach (pouch), the more area for food to pass thru and absorb nutrients fats and calories...Hope that helps!
   — .Anita R.