Question:
Distal RNY same as DS

I read somewhere that having a distal RNY was almost the same as having DS. Has anyone else heard this? Any comments?    — Carrie W. (posted on April 24, 2004)

April 24, 2004
They may be the 'same' only in the fact that you would have to be deligent in taking your vitamins... BUT that would be the only comparison. If you are thinking between the two... I personally would look into the DS... with the DS you have NO CHANCE of having a stoma problem. The DS is more 'natural' in the pouch/tummy function.
   — star .

April 24, 2004
The malabsprptive part of the procedures are similar, but far from being exactly alike (common channel lengths may differ greatly), but the restrictive components are TOTALLY different, and the RNY does not retain the natural features of the stomach such as the action of the pyloric valve, the production of intrinsic factor, necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12; nor is the first part of the duodenum, so important in absorbing calcium and iron, retained in the RNY. Marginal ulceration of the stoma is almost unheard of in the DS, though rare, but not totally uncommon, in the RNY. "Some of my best friends had the RNY," but I preferred and had the DS. No regrets. --Steve
   — Steve G.

April 25, 2004
To mis-quote Mark Twain---the distal RNY is like the DS in the same way the lightning bug is like the lightning. (*grin*)
   — MsBatt

April 25, 2004
For long term weight loss maintenance the truly distal RNY is very similiar. Check out the vita lady. She has a common channel the length of the average DS patient, but she is a distal RNY. People with the RNY and a distal bypass swear by the combination of the pouch restriction and the amount bypassed keeping them on track. Its as though they have the best of both worlds, to them. Others, like the posters here, consider their surgery more advanced. As they progress post op their eating returns to a normal level and they have really almost no restriction yet there is almost no incidence of real weight regain in with the DS. I agree with the other posters about the positives of leaving a fully functioning stomach, less chances of stoma problems, ulcers, etc. But as far as malnourishment and supplement issues to maintain health, as well as end results for maintaining weight loss, its very similiar between the two so in a way you did hear it right. If you're considering between the two though be sure to do your research and make sure you understand what your surgeon is offering. The word "distal" can mean almost any length of bypass. You'll want some real numbers and to compare things for yourself. Also there are a few surgeons playing around with the tried and true DS and also bypassing different lengths (with much less success!) so don't just accept a label, find out the real facts and numbers.
   — Shelly S.

April 26, 2004
A truly distal RNY, 2'-4' common channel, may be something that the people that have them swear by but one must be willing to accept living on protein drinks the rest of their lives as it is the ONLY way they can get in enough nourishment to stay healthy. Anyone that I know who has a super long bypass with an RNY pouch (typically a revision from a "normal" RNY) has to drink around 6 protein drinks a day. If that is something a person is comfortable with then go for it. But don't think you will ever get to stop using them. If you want the super long bypass then the DS is certainly a much more proven surgery.
   — zoedogcbr