Question:
Distal not recommended for BMI greater than 50?

I read an article online that stated for a BMI greater than 50, distal is not as successful and therefore recommended. This seems contrary to everything else I have heard or read. I have heard the more distal = greater malabsorbtion, thus greater opportunity for weight loss with high BMI. What's the truth?    — victoriandove (posted on December 16, 2002)

December 16, 2002
It's contrary to what I understand also. The surgeon said because my BMI was over 50 he would be bypassing 150cm. Otherwise he usually does about 100cm but more and more is going to the longer. As you indicated this will give a greater degree of malabsorption and greater weight loss.
   — zoedogcbr

December 16, 2002
It is just the opposite. Proximal is not recommended. The mosre distal you are your better chance of success. There are good points and bad points you will malabsorb more calories being distal but you will also malabsorb more vitamins and minerals
   — Linda A.

December 16, 2002
Lisa, do you have the link to that article? I agree with the others, they have it backwards.
   — Leslie F.

December 16, 2002
Lisa, do you have the link to that article? I agree with the others, they have it backwards.
   — Leslie F.

December 16, 2002
I didn't add the link to my favorites. I will try to find and post it.
   — victoriandove

December 17, 2002
I too was told that distal was the better way to go if you had a lot to lose. I personally had a lap rny distal and have lost over 150 pounds since 06 06 02 and have had no real complications to date. I was also told not only do you lose more weight but also more rapidly than with proximal..
   — Subrina D.