Question:
What is the difference between a proximal and a distal RNY?

i'm hoping to recieve authorization by the end of next week for RNY surgery, and i was wondering about proximal vs. distal RNY?? thank you    — paula T. (posted on February 17, 2002)

February 17, 2002
According to my surgeon, proximal (like proximity) means they by-pass less intestine, and distal (like distance) is bypassing more. My surgeon said the distal is used for those with a BMI of 50 or more, so therefore it promotes more malabsorption and greater weight loss. Under 50, they generally do a proximal. Hope this helps!
   — [Anonymous]

February 17, 2002
It is the difference of about 3 to 4 feet of intestine. This is the amount they will bypass....approx 3 feet for proximal and approx 5 feet distal. I have a BMI over 50 and I still had a proximal. It is mostly a patient/physician decision. My doc does only proximals because of the absorption issue.
   — Pamela W.

February 18, 2002
I had a BMI of 55, and I had PRoximal. It is up to your Surgeon as to why. I don't know why I am proximal if that explanation from the first Poster is correct.
   — sbinkerd1