Question:
What is the difference between Proximal and Distal surgeries?

Ive seen these terms a couple of times, and have know idea what they mean.    — Jaymi B. (posted on December 29, 2001)

December 29, 2001
Those terms refer to the length of intestine bypassed. Proximal means less bypassed than distal. For much more detailed information go the the library on this site and type these terms into the search, you will find a wealth of information concerning these. Hope this helps. Shelley
   — Shelley.

December 29, 2001
I asked my surgeon this question and he told me that proximal was 100cms bypassed and distal was 150cms. He only does the distal on patients who need to lose over a certain amount.I also asked him if he transected the stomach and he said yes, because he found that non transected patients ran the risk of leakage and disruption..so make sure you know what type you are having.
   — garyzgurl

December 29, 2001
My surgery was Oct 1, and was open RNY distal. Distal meanng my surgeon bypassed 220cm .....or 7ft to be precise...........I have had great weight loss......Hope his helps
   — Gregory H.

December 29, 2001
My surgery was Oct 1, and was open RNY distal. Distal meanng my surgeon bypassed 220cm .....or 7ft to be precise...........I have had great weight loss......Hope this helps
   — Gregory H.

December 29, 2001
There are MANY, MANY questions and answers about the definitions of proximal and distal in the Library. Please take a moment to look through the library before posting your questions! This would keep the redundancy down a great deal.
   — [Anonymous]