Question:
I am looking for opinions about how much intestine I should have bypassed

My Dr. Does open rny and gives the patient the choice of proximal, medial or distal bypass with the pouch being the size of a golf ball. My question is..... I am 5'3 1/2 and weigh 250 lbs., I have about 120 lbs that I would like to lose and am curious to which length everyone thinks I should have? I welcome all opinions and thoughts. My surgery is 4/11/02.    — Cherra P. (posted on April 4, 2002)

April 4, 2002
I know that everyone is different and everyone loses weight differently. I can only relate my experience to you. I had over 300 pounds to lose so my doctor did a very distal RNY. He bypassed 9 ft. I went from 469 to 137 in 18 months and hit my first plateau at 2 pounds from goal. I hope this helps. Your Weight Loss Pal.
   — DeeDubbs

April 4, 2002
I suggest you do more research and try getting ahold of long term post-ops (5yr +). Almost EVERYONE is happy short term but if you're like me you want the weight loss to be permanent and you don't want to strictly diet the rest of your life to stay as close to possible to your ideal weight. If you've done your research you know that your body will do everything it can to compensate for the surgery long term, not just in your pouch enlarging but also in your bowel changing to absorb more nutrients (and calories!) In my opinion the more distal the better, not only at getting you down to your ideal but KEEPING you there long term. I've done a LOT of research and feel comfortable with my choices now. The only way you'll feel comfortable with your decision is to check out the facts on long term post ops for yourself and then really talk with someone who has lived it for at least five years.
   — Shelly S.