Question:
Can't lose more weight, thinking about changing from proximal to distal...

I haven't lost weight in the last 5 months, only moving up and down a 5 lbs range... I am affraid I won't lose the rest that I need (about 50 lbs), or even worse, regain the weight back! My doctor said maybe he could convert me into a distal, as I had a proximal by-pass. Any one had this experience? What would be to problems from distal in the future? Any comments? Celia    — Celia S. (posted on May 30, 2002)

May 30, 2002
I too was thinking that I probably should have had something different, or that I was different than others due to my lack of weight loss (only lost 90lbs) 50-60 lbs from goal. I was wonder, Celia- how your Doctor would treat this with your insurance? If my co-morbids are gone, how would I get them to approve? PS- I have no idea if I had a proximal or a distal....
   — Karen R.

May 30, 2002
If you are willing to go through surgery again, if insurance will pick it up, and if you are willing to live with more malabsorbtion issues (that is watch your labs, vitamins and nutrition closely) go for it. Are you healthy otherwise? If you still have co morbidities, insurance should cover.
   — Bobbi G.

May 30, 2002
Do you plan on having children in the future? Do you take your vitamins EVERY DAY, and do you like protein shakes and bars? Most distals would find it much harder to sustain a healthy pregnancy because the malabsorption is so much higher, and they must be religious about their supplements and protein intake to avoid deterioration into serious malnutrition, pregnant or not. Us proximals can &quot;get away&quot; with a little bit more, though we also benefit from following a strict program of protein and supplements. <p>Here's a list of questions to ask yourself, and to answer honestly before you ask someone to mess with your innards again:<ul><li>How much protein do you get in EVERY day? At LEAST 90 grams?</li><li>How much do you exercise? At least ONE HOUR EVERY day?</li><li>How much WATER do you you drink? At least TWO LITERS every day?</li><li>How many carbs do you eat each day? NO MORE than 100 grams?</li><li>How many meals and snacks do you eat a day? Do you &quot;graze&quot;, eating something every hour or more?</li><li>Do you drink more than two alcoholic drinks a week? Do you ever drink caffeinated or carbonated beverages?</li><li>Do you take ALL of your vitamins and your calcium CITRATE every day?</li></ul> If you are not maximizing your tool by following these guidelines, I firmly believe you should recommit yourself to the program for at least two months before seeking additional surgery. There are major risks associated with such surgery, and I'm surprised your surgeon sounds a bit cavalier about them, never mind the fact that unless you have a mechanical problem with your first surgery (and it sounds like you don't), your insurance is not going to pay for a revision.<p>Also, what was your start weight? Many people only ever lose 65-75% of their excess weight; you might already be there. <p>I'm down 85% of my excess weight at 8.5 months, but I work my ass off and follow this program almost to the letter; I'd be down 90% by now if I'd followed the rules on the carbs more closely for the last month. <p>Getting into a support group is one of the best ways to ensure success; you'll see what the successful people are doing and then you can emulate them. The emotional support also helps modulate all the life stress we deal with, and which most of us tend to self-medicate with food. Good luck, and keep your profile updated!
   — Julia Z.

May 30, 2002
Do what you need to do, but remember that you had this surgery for HEALTH reasons, not COSMETIC reasons. If you truly feel that this last 50 lbs. is endangering your health, then do whatever is necessary to get the weight off, including getting a revision to distal. As for me, I've lost 180.5 lbs., have 36.5 more lbs. to go and am THRILLED even if I never lose another pound!
   — Terissa R.

May 31, 2002
How does Terrisa know why she wanted to have the surgery? I see nothing wrong with having it for both health and cosmetic reasons. I wouldn't count on being bypassed more resulting in big benefits. I was bypassed 200cm and have 1/2 oz pouch and have only lost 40 pounds in 4 months and have been discouraged I know I need to exercise more or I will not lose.
   — Candace F.