Question:
I've 230+ lbs to lose - is proximal RNY surgery enough?

I had surgery 5/2/03. So far all is ok but I'm worried my surgeon didn't bypass enough small intesting for the amount of weight I need to lose and keep off (230 lbs). I was told by my surgeon that my bypass was the standard proximal bypass with about 150 cm of small intestine bypassed (about 5 feet). But I've read that for people with a BMI of 60 or greater, distal surgery is the way to go as it allows for greater weight loss and ability to keep it off. I've read other places though that 150 cm bypassed is not proximal but more medial, so I am all confused. I am worried that they didn't bypass enough of my small intestine and would be interested in finding out if anyone else with 200+ lbs to lose was successful with just the proximal surgery. Thanks in advance for any and all feedback!    — CarolineAnnMartin (posted on June 21, 2003)

June 21, 2003
My pre-op BMI was 73.5 (427 pounds on a 5'4" frame). I had 75 cm bypassed and a 2 oz pouch. I've lost 181 pounds since the surgery last July 17 (plus 13 more between my consult and my surgery). I'm still losing and plan to be down to my goal (213 pounds) by Christmas 2003. It all depends on how you "work the tool"...JR (current BMI 42.3 current weight 246)
   — John Rushton

June 21, 2003
Caroline, I had 150cm bypassed also. My surgery was on 3/7/03 and I have lost about 85lbs. I had 290lbs to lose when I started. My doctor felt this was the safest amount and that greater bypasses can set you up for serious malabsorption problems later. John is right. It is how you use your tool. You will do fine. The first few months are really a head game aren't they? Try to relax and be patient. Good luck!!
   — rpoepke

June 21, 2003
Caroline, I started out at 441lbs and I am 5'6. Ditto with the previous posters! It is all in how you work with the tool. I had 150cm bypassed and have lost 223lbs in the last 17mos. I am still losing very slowly. I hope to lose at least another 40lbs. YOU CAN DO IT! Take Care, Toni 01/10/02 441/218/1??
   — toni D.

June 21, 2003
I started with a BMI over 61 (I weighed over 500), had a LAP RNY on 10/09/02 and am now down to about 275 pounds (that's a 225 pound weight loss in 8 mos.). My surgeon does not perform a radical bypass to avoid malnutrition concerns. As everyone else has said, the trick to weight loss is using the surgery as you would any tool--- learning how to feel satisfied after a small meal (which is the direct result of the size of the pouch) and trying to unlearn years of bad eating behavior. Of course, re-orienting yourself to food is alot easier due to the absence of real hunger pains in the first months after surgery. Good luck!
   — SteveColarossi

June 21, 2003
my starting bmi was 64 and my surgeon will not distals, i asked him too, he said no, the yhave too mnay problems down the road with malnutrion and so forth and that i could eaisly loose all the weight i wanted to with a proximal. today is my 3 month anniversary, and i have lost over 87 pounds (21 of those were pre iop!!) you will do great!!!!!!! hang in there
   — janetc00

June 21, 2003
I had 150 cm bypassed (which I've heard was a distal for the RNY) and I've lost 160 pounds in 11 months and I'm not done yet. Started at 425.
   — [Deactivated Member]

June 21, 2003
I feel I have 200+ to lose and I don't know how much I'm bypassed.. I think less than you. But, this is not just about how muchi s bypased or how small your stomach is. Somewhere along the line, the last pounds are going to be about you. Yes, you'll have some help, but my guess is -- losing 230 or not is all up to you, not your surgery type. Good luck!
   — Lisa C.

June 22, 2003
Hi! My BMI was 60 18 months ago. I had the typical RNY and have lost 210 lbs in the last 18 months. It is your diet, exercise and mental regieme after surgery that gets you through. Read my profile and email me if you want. It is nice to have someone just like you to chat with about this!
   — Sharon M. B.

June 23, 2003
I had the same fears you have. I was 360 pds, needed to lose 200 pounds and my insurance would only pay for the proximal, not the distal. Now, 11 months later, I have lost 158 pounds (had the proximal) and still losing. You CAN lose alot on the proximal, the main thing is exercising (I walk 3 miles a day, 4 times a week) and being careful with eating the right foods. As long as you exercise and eat right, you should lose 200 pounds. Good luck!!
   — Judy W.

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