Question:
Which is better? Proximal or Distal - personal opinions.

Hi. I have done A LOT of research on the difference between proximal and distal RNY's. I know that the RNY is the procedure I am planning to have, but cannot choose between a proximal & distal (or even medial). I know the physical pro's & con's to each along with the after-care nutritional requirements & differences between each. What I'm interested in hearing is personal feelings and opinions as to whether one works better than the other or maintains weight loss longer than the other. Can you lose & MAINTAIN the same weight loss with a proximal and have less need to supplement? I am trying very hard to make a choice, so any input I can get is appreciated.    — [Anonymous] (posted on October 19, 2000)

October 19, 2000
It's not a matter of which is better, but which is better for YOU. They are completely different surgeries that offer it's own uniqueness. It sounds like you've done your research. What I would do is make a list of qualities of each procedure and choose the one that suits your needs the best. If you think you might need a distal procedure, then I would research all the Different distal procedures and compare them the same way. They are each unique in themselves, for example, some offer better absorption of vitamins, etc. So keep doing your research, make your lists, and choose the surgery that best fits your needs & lifestyle. Good Luck to you! <a href="http://www.mywls.com">Home Page</a>.
   — [Deactivated Member]

October 19, 2000
I agree that this is a very difficult decision - I've just made it. I'm scheduled for a proximal 100 cm bypassed RNY(about 3.3 Ft). I have 100 lbs to lose and am trying to have a long healthy life. Distal is better for getting to your ideal weight and staying there, though I know proximals that have done it. What concerned me is that with distal you get much of your nutrition with supplements and with all of the research still going on with vitamins and minerals its obvious that we don't know all we need to know yet. Antioxidants now...but what later? Its so easy for me to get a bit greedy on the weight loss (wouldn't it be fun to wear a 4), but I really tried to choose the procedure with the least chance of long term complications. Good Luck!
   — [Anonymous]

October 21, 2000
If you have lost the full use of your stomach, you have lost certain elements. Period. The amount absorbed is what varies from procedure to procedure. Digestion does not occur with either of the RNY models. So, you need to supplement either one. BUT the number of pills (not the kind or form of them) and protein you take is far less for proximal vs distal. I am distal, glad of it, never had any desire to change. But then, I've made it my main focus to find out exactly how to supplement those items published to be known shortages. I may regret having extended my life (by reaching a normal wt) when I'm 90 and in a nursing home and they try to feed me Ensure or Boost or some awful thing, but for the life I've had without ANY co-morbs, it has been well worth it to me to be fully distal and supplement accordingly. However, as distal as I am is not for everyone, and in fact, it's not offered in very many locations. The distal you may be considering may not be ALL that distal at all. How many cm bypassed or how much common channel will you have?
   — vitalady