Pam/Common Channel question..........

[Guest guest]

Hi Pam,

My PCP had recommended I speak to a local RNY surgeon before making

up my mind on WLS. I had that consult about 2 weeks ago and here is

what he said about channel length:

He explained the RNY procedure and the only surprise I found was when

I asked him about the length of the common channel. He said he makes

them 150 cm. I thought that was kind of long and then he explained

that he said the only channel length he measures at all is the

*alimentary* channel (aka from where the food leaves the stomach

pouch until it meets the Y intersection where the bile and gastric

juices meet the food). The common channel would be the entire rest

of the small intestines-like 12-15 feet!! I thought the common

channel was about the same as in the BPD/DS procedure (approx 70-100

cm or about 3 feet). No wonder RNY patients need such a small

stomach pouch to lose weight!

As the other DS folks have said. Malabsorption is the key to success

with this surgery. It is what KEEPS the weight off (where DIETS have

failed). Vitamins/minerals and protein consumption are *imperative*

but as far as I am concerned, not a problem. I think getting

adequate protein, etc is SO MUCH MORE IN MY CONTROL than trying to

regulate my messed up metabolism to maintain a healthy weight.

Terri Hassiak

BMI 60

http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/profile.phtml?N=H980366398

email(no spaces): bunsofluff @ hotmail.com

> Howdy folks!!

>

> I recently read a post talking about how different people react in

different

> ways to the same surgery. I was wondering something. I noticed on

one of

> the posts that her common channel was 100 cm. Is that kind of

similar to

> having a proximal RNY procedure? I have to say that I am still

confused. I

> plan on asking my doctor about this, but in the meantime, I thought

I would

> ask you folks this. I am pretty sold on the DS procedure, but the

> malabsorption is very frightening to me. I have read quite a few

posts where

> people have a channel length of 75-80 cm, and am I right in

assuming that

> these are VERY distal? Or am I comparing apples and oranges? (as

far as

> being distal, proximal, etc. I mean)

>

> Any clarification you can give me would be greatly appreciated.

>

> Pam