Question:
What is Distal and Proximal?

I keep seeing these terms, but I can't find them anywhere -- not even the medical dictionary -- except to say proximal is close and distal is far. So how does that pertain to RNY? What decides the procedure?    — Tammi H. (posted on September 7, 2001)

September 7, 2001
Distal and proximal refer to the amount of intestine bypassed. The more distal you are, the more that's been bypassed. Generally the surgeon makes the decision, but I'm sure you can discuss it with him/her. Generally, the more obese, the more distal the operation. It provides more malabsorption. However, the trade off is that it provides more malabsorption. Hehe. So basically, distals like me have to keep an extra special eye on getting the nutrients we need. However, my surgeon feels that it is the best long term option for his larger patients.
   — Tracy L.

September 7, 2001
In case you miss this answer which was just given earlier today.... 75cm would be considered by almost everyone to be a proximal. The numbers I've most commonly heard are: proximal: 10-100 cm bypassed medial: 100-200 cm bypassed distal: 200+ cm bypassed There are 2.54 cm to the inch, so you had 29.5" bypassed out of about 20 feet of small intestine. - Julia Moseley Part2
   — [Anonymous]