Distal Bypass Surgery

I had gastric bypass 2 yrs. ago and have lost 300 lbs. but I was very large to begin with and my dr. says he will do distal bypass on me so I can lose more weight. I wanted to ask if anyone who has had distal bypass would recommend it or not and why. Thank You

I don't know anyone personally who had it done, but I can tell you that Dr. Roe is an excellent surgeon and he wouldn't point you in the wrong directions. Did he do your first surgery? I'm sure you'll get beeter advice from someone who had the distal, but I just wanted to mention how great Dr. Roe is and that you're in good hands no matter what your decision. Good Luck.

Roni, Yes, Dr. Roe did do my gastric bypass and he is amazing. Thank you. Amy

I wish I could offer you advise and information, but I just wanted to say congrats on the wonderful progress that you've already made. Wonderful Work! ~*Debbie*~

It's my understanding the "distal" and "proximal" are terms used to describe how much of your small intestine was bypassed in your RNY surgery. It shoulds like maybe your doctor did a proximal on you the first time (less intestine by-passed, I believe) and is suggesting a distal so that more intestine is by-passed. I do not have Dr. Roe, but I have heard he is an excellent doctor. I'm sure he wouldn't steer you wrong. Take Care, Terry

Thank you Terry for your reply. I'm just worried about distal because of malabsorption of vitamins. I'm trying to find people who have had it and see whether they would recommend it or do it again. Amy H.

Hi Amy- I had proximal RNY in 1995 and I'll be revised to distal on 6/22. I have THOROUGHLY researched and would have preferred to have revision to a DS, but due to insurance woes, I wasn't able to use the surgeon who does RNY to DS revisions. The distal is essentially the bottom half of the DS. But, I am VERY fortunate to have Dr. Schweitzer as my surgeon and I'm entirely comfortable with the distal. It will be a daily protein, vitamins and water commitment, but I'm ready to do whatever it takes... I started at 316, lost to 148 and have regained to 242... UGH!!! Best- Marcie