Question:
I want to hear from people that have had success with a proximal RNY?

I hear so much about distal being better but my surgeon WILL NOT consider such an evasive procedure. He typically removes only 12-18 inches of intestines. After speaking to me, this makes sense but I hear sort of negative things about the proximal procedure. Help, I need some encouragement.    — Margaret B. (posted on May 1, 2001)

May 1, 2001
I am 8 months post op and have gone from 294 lbs. to 185. I would say I have been very successful! I feel and look 100% better than I did last year at this time. I looked at your profile and noticed that your starting BMI is higher than mine was however. If this is a concern for you perhaps you should consult another surgeon. But please know that there are many successful "loosers" out there with a proximal bypass.
   — georgiacarol

May 1, 2001
I had proximal open rny on October 12,2000. That is right at 6 1/2 months. I have lost 106 lbs and over 90 inches total from my body. I started as a size 32 and am now a size 20 soon to be moving to a size 18. I was 350 lbs to start with at 5 feet 7 inches and am now 244 lbs. I have not lost any hair to speak of and have never thrown up once. I dont even think I have officially dumped, but early on I did have a watered down form of dumping. I always have 1 protein drink and get in all my 60-70 grams protein total as well as all my vits and supplements and b12 shot. I try to do all the water but dont always get there. I feel marvelous and everyone says I look great and I get lots of comments on how pretty my skin and hair look. Proximal rny has been very, very good to me.
   — claire C.

May 1, 2001
I had RNY (Fobi method) which the only difference between RNY and Fobi is the scalastic ring...Well, let me back step a little... RNY can be done with the stomach divided or not..Mine was divided/seperated with a scalastic ring to control the speed in which food passes through and also prevents the pouch from stretching..I'm bypassed 7 feet which is still considered a proximal..... I'm 16 months post-op and I have lost 214 pounds.. I started at 367 I'm 153 right now.. I have went from a size 5X to 10-12 ... you can have great weightloss with proximal..WLS is a tool no matter the type it's up to you how you use that tool..
   — Victoria B.

May 1, 2001
Hi there. I had open rny proximal short segment done on 11/13/00 I weighed 380 and now 5 1/2 months later, I weigh only 250! WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!!!! I am sure this wls will work as well for you too. By the way, they don't remove any intestines, they are re routed. feel free to email me.. [email protected]
   — LISA K.

May 1, 2001
I had a proximal RNY ... I am not sure exactly how much intestine was bypassed (I think my surgeon said about 40 cm, but I wouldn't swear to it). In any case, it is a very proximal RNY. I had surgery 11/17/00 and my starting weight was 358. I have lost 95 pounds so far and currently weigh in at 263. To get to my ideal weight (141) I need to lose another 122 pounds. I don't know if I can say I have been "successful", since I am not quite half way there yet, but I am doing GREAT. Along with the 95 pounds I lost a bunch of co-morbs like high blood pressure, reactive airway disease, high cholesterol, and urinary stress incontinence. I exercise for an hour at least 4 times a week and I actually enjoy it! Pre-op I got winded getting out of bed! I feel better than I have in years. Even though I will be disappointed if I don't get to goal ... even if I don't lose another pound (God forbid) ... I consider my proximal RNY to be a success. Life is grand. Good luck and God bless you in your weight loss journey.
   — Lynn T.

May 1, 2001
Margaret..had my PROXIMAL LAP RNY on 1/16/01..at that time I asked my surgeon the night before the surgery if he could do a distal for me..he advised me that the distal per statistics only lose aprox 5% more weight than the proximal and therefore he only does proximals to avoid any possible ill effects.
   — Debora H.

May 1, 2001
Hi margaret.. I had a proximal Open RNY on Halloween last year. I have gone from 280 to 181 since that time. If I never lose another pounds, I would consider this sucessfull. You can and will have sucess with a proximal. I had fears that this wouldn't work for me as well, but I feel so much better both physically and emotionally so I guess it did work. Good luck
   — enjo4

May 2, 2001
I do consider my weight loss a great success considering that it has been just 11 months since surgery. I had the proximal surgery on 06/00, i weighed 330 lbs, and now I am at 195 lbs and holding steady(damn plateau). I consider a loss of 135 lbs, in 11 months, to be pretty good. It was surprising how fast it all came off.
   — twenc