Distal versus Proximal definitions??

I am still confused. I saw what the surgeon wrote on my application for insurance and she said "long limb" which I thought was proximal. Now I just read something that made me think I had it reversed. Can someone explain short limb and long limb in relation to the type of Roux-N-Y?

I have a definition of the Distal and a definition of the Proximal from the University of Washington. However, neither of them say anything about long or short limb. Here's the Distal definition: Distal Roux-Y combines gastric bypass with an intestinal bypass. The stomach is divided, and about five to six feet of intestine is used to connect the small piece of stomach to the rest of the intestine. It is also connected further along the intestine, so there are only about three more feet of intestine for digestion and absorption. this method leads to more weight loss but also to bad diarrhea, gas, belly cramps, poor nutrition, osteoporosis, and ulcers. And the Proximal definition: Divided Proximal Roux-Y gastric bypass divides the stomach into a small upper piece and a large lower piece. A two-and-one-half foot lenght of intestine is connected from the small stomach pouch to the rest of the intestines. The lower stomach piece and its intestine will no longer be used. An additional 15 to 16 feet of intestine is still used for digestion and absorption of food from the small stomach pouch. Since the stomach holds less food, this method helps weight loss but still requires dieting. I think the Proximal is more common. I'm not sure this really answered your question but I hope it helped. Rob (The March caboose)

Rob, You are such a wealth of information I'm glad that you have come out of your shell and started sharing with all us gals!!! Thank you for clarifying that for me -- I was confused too!! Whitney

Keep it up, Rob, and you're gonna become our Offishal Minister Of Information... Kimmer Queen of the Niners, Instigator to all Marchers, High Priestess of Giggles Zero-minus-13 and 7 working days to go!

There are several limbs, but it is probably talking about the "common limb"--the base of the Y. If it is long, it is the less extreme and thus safer surgery. This is proximal. A short common limb is distal (it joins farther from the stomach). Most drs do proximal because of reduced rates of serious malnutrition complications. Many distal ones have to be revised into proximals. Many insurance companies will not pay for distals. Does this help? Joy