Question:
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE DISTAL VS. PROXIMAL?????

WHAT EXACTLY IS THE DIFFERENCE???    — Marian M. (posted on August 22, 2003)

August 22, 2003
The length of the intestines that are bypassed during surgery. Proximals have less bypassed, usually under 150 cm. Distals have more bypassed-over 150 cm. Distals have to supplement more than proximals as they absorb less of the nutrients from food.
   — Cindy R.

August 22, 2003
Distal usually means in the front or forward. Proximal means the back.
   — Dottie Lou C.

August 22, 2003
Actually, anteriorly is the front and posterially is the back.
   — smmeow

August 22, 2003
Marion, I asked my surgeon this yesterday at a follow up appointment. Read Cindy's answer. It is perfect and exactly what Dr Julie Leverton told me. Distals can often lose more initially but can sometimes have more malabsorbtion issues. Wish you luck.
   — Ann B.