Question:
Do all surgeons do all three types of ryn--distal, proximal, and medial?

I have over 200 pounds to lose and would prefer to have my ryn as distal or even medial as opposed to proximal. Do all the surgeons do the different types or do they stick with just one? When I started my journey, I have to admit I was all ignorant regarding this. Now I know more, but I've all ready selected my surgeon.    — Julia T. (posted on July 19, 2002)

July 19, 2002
Julia, I would say that ALL surgeons may know how to do the RNY medial, proximal and/or distal, but it would definitely depend on the surgeon and whether he/she is proficient and skilled at it. Some surgeons are taking Contuning Education Coursework and improving their skills in various techniques regularly. I think I would check them out thoroughly and see if there are any other patients on this website that may have had any of these that you have mentioned. Get a good sampling, but I think it would strongly depend on what you discussed with YOUR SPECIFIC SURGEON and what the two of you have decided together that is BEST for you. Each type does yields different results (you will lose weight with each one). From what I've learned here, if you only have about 100 lbs to lose, it will probably be proximal, if 180 or more, may be distal,...don't know about medial. I'm not that experienced enough with my limited knowledge to give you any more than I have. Perhaps there will be other posties that could possibly provide additional info regarding the RNY. Michelle Curran or Diana Thompson might know. There are others though. God be with you, and best wishes in your decision.~~Hadiyah~~
   — yourdivaness

July 19, 2002
It totally depends on your surgeon. Some are conservative and absolutely won't do more than a ceratin amount, others are more flexible. Ask your surgeon, or better yet, tell him/her what you would like, and see what they say. Don't forget that each surgeon will defend their own way, but that doesn't mean it's the ONLY way. Good luck.
   — Leslie F.

July 19, 2002
My surgeon does the same on everyone 150 cm or about 5 feet.
   — Linda A.

July 19, 2002
Each surgeon and insurance is different I have seen many times it posted that to have a distal which is 150 or more bypassed that you must be in the higher weight limits...that is not so I weighed 265 I am a distal and now at 145 my two sisters both distals one started at 182 5'2 and lost only 40 lbs she ate sugar one started at 209 5'2 and lost 70 pounds I am 5'5 I have 3 sisters who had this surgery and myself and one niece 4 of us are distal 1 is proximal the proximal had the ring the rest of us did not there are problems for some being distal everyone else doesnt have the foul odors I have with gas and Bm's lucky them but I relish in the fact that my chances of regain are less because of my malabsorbtion...I eat too many Fats my body gets rid of them and my body doesn't absorb as many calories the food passes quickly thru.. Blue Cross of California PPO is not not paying for distals because of the ongoing malabsorbtion problems we must have blood work done frequently at first to make sure all our levels are ok they will pay for a Proximal only good luck ask for the distal or medial improve your chances
   — Kathleen M.