Distal vs. Proximal . . .Re: 3 feet bypassed

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In a message dated 11/21/1999 6:03:56 PM Pacific Standard Time,

vitalady@... writes:

> Generally, one can say:

> Distal = most wt loss, most risk of problems, most dependent on supplements

> proximal = least wt loss, least risk of problems, least dependent on

> supplements

>

> But not always.

Actually I did mega research before seeing any surgeon for any

procedure. When it comes to weight loss and maintenance there is very

little difference between a proximal and a distal. Only about 15% of all WLS

patients for any procedure lose 100% of their excess weight and still

maintain that loss 100% at 5 years post op. (Of course diet and exercise

only is only about 1%, so this is a wonderful statistic!) A 'regular' distal

will lose faster than a 'regular' proximal, but the overall weight loss for

distal is only 5% more. (Dr. Fox, 's surgeon does a more distal,

distal RNY, so his personal stats may be 'better' than that!) So for someone

with 150 excess pounds to lose, that is a maximum 7 pound difference in total

weight lost. The information about distal RNY patients being at higher risk

of problems and nutritional deficiencies is generally true. But, just as we

are all different, so are our bodies and experiences. Proximal RNY patients

have had severe nutritional problems as well. I know me, I hate supplements

and protein drinks and all that goes with it . . . I just wanted to be

satisfied on less food, like a normal person. I got my wish. I am more

sensitive to all foods and avoid what makes me feel bad . . . Some people eat

food even if it makes them feel bad. There is a woman that occasionally

shows up for support group that eats cheesecake until she is puking, she had

lost over 100 pounds and 30 pounds from 'goal' she has gone into sabotage

mode? Rushed out and had all the plastics done and is regaining her weight

.. . . she didn't use the surgery as a tool to 'get right with food,' she used

it as a crutch and as such, it loses its effectiveness down the road no

matter what procedure you had, if you use it that way. Listen to ,

as distal as she is, she watches her nutrition, protein, sugar, and total

intake . . . she is right with food (eats to live) and would be successful

regardless of the procedure she had.

You all know my bit about 'getting right with food' by now. What

persuaded me was taking to somebody on OSSG once who had lost all their

weight, ate like there was no tomorrow cause they were a distal, but they

were miserable because they still lived to eat, were living to eat, and not

fully experiencing their lives because they were still stuffing their

emotions. I didn't want food to have that hold on me . . .

No matter what procedure you had, or how much or how little you had

bypassed, you can still be 100% successful . . . some procedures just require

more effort on your part . . .

Vicki in CA

Open proximal RNY 12-8-98

" List Mom "

007Secretsonelist

a support group for " getting right with food "