Question:
What is the difference between Distal an Poximal RNY?

I keep seeing people posting that they had "Distal" or "Proximal" RNY - what is the difference and how does your surgeon know which one you need?    — Kim A. (posted on May 2, 2002)

May 1, 2002
It refers to the amount of intestine that you have bypassed. It usually depends on your bmi, the higher it is, the more you have bypassed.
   — Shanna P.

May 1, 2002
The terms describe how much intestine is bypassed. More is bypassed with the distal. With the distal, less is absorbed. Not only are you malabsorbing calories, fats, but also necessary nutrients. I would think that a surgeon would choose the distal for those who are super-morbidly obese. Sometimes they go by a set amount. I am not sure of the exact amounts, but I think that I had 130 cm bypassed which is right down the middle, which some term as 'medial'. But those that are really really distal like the Vitalady consider that still proximal. Maybe someone can give you more exact measurements, but I wanted to give you a general idea.
   — Cheri M.

May 2, 2002
I have a "canned" answer I can send you, but it might already be hanging in the library. Most docs still issue a one-size-sits-all surgery, so choices may not exist at all. In that case, the only way to change choices is to change docs. My docs tend to offer on the distal end of the scale. Some docs will only offer on the way proximal end of the scale.
   — vitalady