Question:
Is 135 cm Bypassed a distal or proximal?

How much is this in feet and is this considered very distal or proximal? My DR. bypasses about 135 cm. He calls it distal. Is it closer to being considered proximal?    — A L. (posted on January 5, 2001)

January 18, 2001
Yes 135cm is most definetly proximal. 150cm and under is considered proximal from what I understand. How your pouch was constructed and what size is also an important factor. Of all the web sites I have seen, long term weight maintenance for a proximal is 50-57% of your excess weight 4-5 years post op. I had a proximal RNY 30cc pouch (approx) in 1995. Initially I lost 127 lbs. which was a bit more than 100% of excess. I am now around that 50% mark. Some weight regain is inevitable. However if I had known the stats were so grim and other types of surgery with better long term results exisited I wouldn't have chose a proximal. The type of surgery you have does make a difference, or they wouldn't publish those statistics. Only the very diligent strong willed people who make exercise a daily lifelong habit and never play with fire by experimenting with eating old faves are able to beat those stats. It is important when deciding what type of surgery to have to look at your particular eating & exercise habits and long term weight goal. I think we all want the surgery so bad we don't think about what will happen several years down the road. I thought I was invincible and would never gain back even a pound, I wouldn't be like those in my support group who were dissatisfied and still trying to lose. It's pretty hard to keep weight off when you follow all the rules and your pouch still stretches allowing you to eat way more than you should and your hungry again an hour later. Good luck
   — Julie B.

January 18, 2001
I think it is important to have the right surgery as discussed between you and your surgeon. I will be having a proximal (120 cm) bypassed. My surgeon does not bypass anymore than this because of the malabsorbtion problems. I don't know where the previous response got her statistics, but to say that all proximals only lose 50% of their excess weight is something I've never heard before.
   — Kristy J.