has any one had a Distal Roux-en-Y

I have been doing my computer surfing today and a Distal Roux-en-y keeps coming up has anyone had that? I know that you have to be really up on your vitamins because it is more Malnutrion based But I guess I am curious how that works.

greetings the way i understand it, the difference between the distal and proximal RNY is the length of intestine that is bypassed. distal is bypassing a longer amount that proximal. my surgeon made that decision -- not even something he discussed with me -- i had proximal. deb

I agree with Deb.  The only thing is that I think the insurance companies also have their two cents in there.  I had proximal, mostly every one that has the Roux has the proximal. Jeanne

Hi. I think if you are interested in a distal RNY that you should look into the Duodenal Switch. I think it might be just what you are looking for. Come on over and read the posts and see what you think. Jo

I am a distal RNY with a 60 in common channel. The advantage to being a distal RNY is that it becomes a bit easier to maintain your weight loss. You , however, still have to work at keeping the weight off. I am almost 7 yrs post op now, maintaining a 200 pound weight loss. The biggest disadvantage of distal RNY.. meaning the roux limb is longer  or bypassed more than in a proximal RNY. is the malabsorption  or short gut syndrome that we have. I cant speak for all distals.. but I am having issues with Vitamin D , especially, Vitamin A to some extent, ferritin.. getting periodic Ferrlecit infusions, and etc. I, due to some previous damage to my small intestines, had to have a bowel resection during my last revision, and the part of the small intestine that was removed contained the distal ileus, where we do absorb some things, so I am at more of a disadvantage due to this.. The other disadvantage of being distal is you have to be diligent in taking all the required vitamins, minerals, and drinking the minimum of 5 protein shakes per day..  Take care.. any questions, feel free to privately email me at [email protected]

I second Jo's post...if your considering the Distal RNY ...look into the DS.  It's considered the best surgery for the SMO (not my opinion but by a University of chicago study done at the beginning of this year...see my profile for details) because of the amount of excess weight lost, and the high levels of weight loss retention.  Most DSers are left with a common channel around 100 cm (some a bit less some a bit more).  We do have to take regular suppliments, but because we are left with a large stomach, we can eat normally and do not have to rely on protein shakes.   Scott

Actually I looked into DS when I first started unfortunatley my PCP and my Insurance wont cover it so I have to have the RNY but thank you for your input.