Question:
What is the difference between Long Limb and Short Limb?

I heard you lose more weight with one that the other. My surgeon wants to do it because my BMI is over 60, but the insurance co won't pay for the long. They will only pay for the short. Is it worth fighting for?? Or should I just go with the short?? Will I have the same results. I would love to hear from people that had 60+ BMI's and had results with the short limb. Please help. Thanks.    — michelletoth (posted on May 27, 2003)

May 27, 2003
Michele - I only had 75 cm bypassed and have a 2 oz pouch and have lost 175 pounds to go from a BMI of 73.4 (weight 427) to a BMI of 43.4 (weight 252)...JR (open RNY 07/17/02)
   — John Rushton

May 27, 2003
It refers to how much is bypassed. While it is frequently stated that it's easier to lose with more bypassed, as John pointed out below, having less bypassed certainly shouldn't hinder your loss any IF you work the tool. I am only a medial bypass (150 cm) and have lost over 150 pounds (started at 425 pounds) in a bit over 10 months.
   — [Deactivated Member]

May 27, 2003
What is your surgeon's definition of short limb and long limb? There is no national standard. By long limb your surgeon could mean anywhere from 150cm to 500cm bypassed. Personally if I was you and going with the RNY I would not go with more than 150cm bypassed. More than that combined with a tiny pouch is setting you up for a severe amount of malabsorption and not enough stomach (pouch) to eat enough food to offset it. In my opinion to go with a 500cm bypass (100cm common channel) it should be done in a DS procedure because the 2 are designed to be done together. An RNY does not have the same stomach function etc. This is just my opinion, as I know they are some 400-500cm bypassed RNY's out there, but they are very few. I have read that typically they must live on protein drinks to keep from getting super malnourished. <p>I was a 63.8 BMI and am now a 50.2. I am .3 away from only being morbidly obese and no longer super morbidly obese - YEAH!! I am 16 weeks post-op and down 102 lbs. I have an amount bypassed "appropriate for my BMI" with a 1/2 ounce pouch. At least that's what my surgery report says. Ask the surgeon to get creative! Sometimes insurance forces surgeons to be creative in order for them to do what is right for their patient. Like John said it comes down to your attitude towards the surgery and not trying to out eat it. If you respect the surgery and work the tool you should do fine with a shorter bypass, but you will have to work at it a little more.
   — zoedogcbr