Question:
What is the difference between distal and proximal?

My doctor will bypass 120 cm, is that enough, too much, not enough? What are the experinces of others? Is this distal or proximal? I didn't know to ask these questions at consult. Thank you.    — Elizabeth .. (posted on March 11, 2003)

March 11, 2003
To the best of my knowledge,distal means that much more of your stomach is bypassed and much less of the nutrients in the food you eat will be absorbed.That's the reason why the weight generally comes off quicker.This has a very high malabsorptive risk associated with it.Now,proximal on the other hand has more of a lower malabsorptive risk,which means more of the nutrients in food are absorbed better.I hope i gave you a clear enough answer.
   — Latisa B.

March 11, 2003
I can't remember exactly which is which, however I think the more intestine that is bypassed, the greater the chance for complications. From what I understand, the procedure bypassing the lesser amount is the safest and most common these days. I seem to recall being told that proximal is the procedure bypassing the most and distal is the 120cm bypass. I'm not positive on the terms I could have them switched. I'm sure someone on this site can answer your question in more detail.
   — lyndaleigh

March 11, 2003
Hi Elizabeth, Proximal is any amount bypassed <i>under</i> 150cm and Distal is any amount bypassed <i>over</i> 150cm. Some people also talk about "medial" but from what I've found out, most doctors do not recognize medial. Bariatric surgeons either bypass the same amount for everyone or they go the patient's BMI to determine what amount should be bypassed. My surgeon went by my pre-op BMI of 81 when he bypassed 200cm and SO glad he did! Good luck!!
   — thumpiez

March 11, 2003
Thank you all for your answers. It sounds like 120cm will be just perfect for me, my BMI is barely 42.
   — Elizabeth ..