Question:
Can I still lose the weight with a proximal

I went for my first consultation yesterday and was told that I will have an Open RNY-Proximal. He only does distals on people with a BMI of 50+. My BMI is 46 and I weighed in at 280 lbs, I am 5'5". Anyway, can I still achieve a weight loss of about 130-150 pounds with a proximal? How can I make sure that I achieve that much of a weight loss. I have mixed emotions about all of this. I want to be sucessful, so I was kinda hoping for a distal, but I don't want any complications either. I am happy about the proximal, just worried that I won't make it to my personal goal with it. Any insight?? Thanks    — enjo4 (posted on June 30, 2000)

June 30, 2000
I agree with Barb..It's all in your hands on how you maximize the tool you have, be it RNY or any other surgery type. I started at 367...Today I'm at 240 and I'm 6 months post-op from Proximal RNY...(127 pounds in 6 months is nothing to sneeze at, some have lost more, some have done less everyone is different) Also like Barb I echo about the importance of exercise daily.. I may be 240 pounds but most people guess me at 200 pounds or below. (great esteem builder) ;-) <p> Check out my profile page for pics.. I'll be adding a new one soon..
   — Victoria B.

June 30, 2000
Since you are just a speck short of the distal criteria, can you negotiate for something in between? Your post-op nutrition and eating patterns will determine your long term weight loss, and to a degree, even if you were to be extremely distal. Some proximals attain 100% wt loss AND good health with proper nutrition. Some distals never make it all the way down, too. Your proximal-hood is just one component of the success you hope to get. Since you have been working so hard at research all these many months, you are probably doomed to success, ANYWAY!
   — vitalady

June 30, 2000
Erin, I started at 280 (I am only 5'1"- bmi was over 54) and I had a proximal RNY last January. I am down 73 lbs. as of 2 weeks ago and am doing fine. I think you can make it work for you, but exercise and WATER and PROTEIN will greatly aid in your success! Good Luck!
   — M B.