Question:
Is bypassing

Some background: I am a "healthy" MO person. I have lost over 100 lbs. and kept it off for the past 7 years. I eat well, exercise 5-6 days week, both high intensity cardio and weightlifting. HOWEVER, I am still about 120 lbs. overweight, with a BMI of approximately 41. I'VE TRIED EVERYTHING!!! *Pulling my hair out in frustration* (And yes, the excess weight IS catching up with me now...I have borderline hypertension, GERD, denerative joints, etc...) I finally decided two years ago to research WLS, and began my "journey" in January 2001. I had my surgical consult in September, 2001 (a *very* busy surgeon! LOL) The surgeon thinks I'm an "ideal" candidate for WLS...I've opted for the Lap RNY. MY SURGEON SAYS HE WILL ONLY BYPASS 100 CM OF MY INTESTINE. I'm concerned! I'm not a doctor, but it makes sense to me that for MY situation, I should have a distal bypass of at least 150 cm if not 200! What do you all think? Anyone else been in my situation (or similar) or have anyone in their support groups like me? What are your opinions? (My surgery will be at the end of November or beginning of December, 2001.) Thanks in advance for the advice! *smile*    — Cristie L. (posted on October 20, 2001)

October 20, 2001
Hi Christi! I understand your concerns. Shortness of bypass is part of the reason RNYers tend to regain. However, there is much concern that a distal RNY is unsafe long-term, because the tiny amount eaten cannot support the body when so much intestine is bypassed. If you've researched 2 years you've no doubt looked into the DS. Don't know why you aren't considering it but the problems I've mentioned are part of why I am having it (the other being the pouch). One thing to remember is that the length of your bypass can always be changed later if necessary. Good luck with your surgery!! Chris
   — Chris T.

October 20, 2001
Hi, I had only 70 cm bypassed and have kept my weight off, with LAP RNY. This is a tool, not a answer to all. You have to work at it regardless of what surgery you have and how much bypassed. BTW, I had 200lbs to lose.
   — [Anonymous]

October 20, 2001
There's a surgeon in our area that routinely bypasses "only" 25 cm, and his folks have great success, even the ones that have 200+ lbs to lose. My surgeon has had great success with 100-125 cm bypasses for folks up to 700 lbs. I think 100 cm is pretty normal and with a BMI of "only" 41, you will do just fine. Distal procedures cause quite a few problems in terms of malnutrition, especially osteoporosis, unless you are absolutely religious about protein (180 g a day of predigested; that's SIX protein shakes a day for life), vitamins, calcium, and iron. I personally would not go the distal route unless you are done having children and are willing to face those nutritional deficiencies head on.
   — Julia M.

October 20, 2001
I had about 75cm bypassed and I have lost 82 pounds in 4 months. I started out at 237 with a BMI of 41 and I am now down to 155 with a BMI of 26. I was told I would lose much slower than others since I started out with a lower BMI. Needlees to say, I am very happy with my progress so far. I have 25 pounds left to reach my goal of 130 pounds. The best part is I started out in tight 22 and some 24 pants and 2X/3X tops and I am now in 12 petite pants and size large tops. I hope to be in a size 8 when I reach goal. Good Luck and feel free to email me if you have any questions. ~~Ciao~~
   — perezrdh