proximal, distal, what is the differnence?

On my profile it was asked what kind of ryn I was having, I didn't know so left it blank. Can anyone enlighten me on the differences? Thanks, Ann

In the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedures, a surgeon makes a direct connection from the stomach to a lower segment of the small intestine, bypassing the duodenum, and some of the jejunum. A 15 - 60 cc proximal gastric pouch is created using several staple lines. The proximal gastric pouch is drained into a segment of the jejunum and "bypasses" the distal stomach and duodenum. The proximal part of the divided intestine is then connected to the side of the intestine that was previously attached to the pouch. The roux limb is that part of the intestine between the stomach pouch and the connection to the proximal small intestine. The difference between short limb (or proximal) and long limb (or distal) gastric bypass is the length of the roux limb. Long limb gastric bypass results in more malabsorption than short limb gastric bypass. The result is sustained weight loss of >50% excess body weight in over 80% of patients. The surgery can be done laparoscopically or open. This procedure may be an option for people with a BMI between 35 and 40 who suffer from life-threatening problems for example, severe sleep apnea or obesity-related heart disease or diabetes. posted on this website: http://www.obesitycare.com/Options.htm

Thanks Stacey, I think that I will be having the short version. I just went to my profile and it says distal, but I really think that it will be the shorter one. Anyway thanks a bunch, and by the way how was your horse show this weekend? Later, Ann

Lots of fun, the grandaughter of the farm owner won NUMEROUS ribbons: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lajoyfarm/sets/ She is only 9 years old and has won more ribbons than I ever did! It was raining and cloudy but turned out to be a wonderful day at the fairgrounds. I enjoyed it alot! The sounds of the horses whinnying in their stalls was just great for me! thanks!