Question:
What is proximal and distal surgery?

I see alot of profiles with surgery types listed proximal and distal. Can someone explain these to me?    — chari39 (posted on September 14, 2005)

September 13, 2005
It just refers to the length of the bypassed intestines. Proximal is shorter, distal is longer. There doesn't seem to be any standard, but some people will say that 150 cm is the cut off: anything shorter than 150 is proximal, anything longer is distal. But each surgeon is different, some don't even refer to proximal/distal distinctions. It's really just an anatomical reference, anything on your body can be described that way - it is not reserved soley for WLS.
   — Ali M

September 15, 2005
I believe that with distal bypass, [distal being farther away] more intestine is bypassed, proximal [ being closer] less intestine is bypassed. I also think that with the distal, there may be less of some foods[ thus calories and also nutrients] that are absorbed by the body, since more intestine is being bypassed. You may need to be checked closely to ensure you don't develop any vitamin deficiencies. With proximal, since there's less intestine being bypassed, the body has more opportunity to absorb the foods, vitamins, and other nutrients. I think I heard that "distal" people may lose wt a bit faster since they're not absorbing all of everything they eat, but sometimes there can be a price for that- I asked my surgeon, and he said I have a proximal- he doesnt do distal because there can be absorbtion problems with getting all your nutrients- I think that distal people have to take more vitamins and be extra careful that their bodies are getting enough nutrients. One thing I found is that no 2 surgeons do things alike! Everyone has their own little things they do differently in their surgeries-- you need to ask your surgeon what procedure he does, and why. Always ask your surgeon anything you don't understand-- you can also get a lot if info by going to your surgeon's support group. Good luck!
   — Robin S.

September 15, 2005
Lori, You might want to get a copy of the book, "Weight Loss Surgey for Dummies". It explains everything and more. And what to expect. Mike
   — Michael Eak