How long is your common channel?

Someone (who is not fond of the DS or distal) told me that it shouldn't be shorter than 150cm.  Anything less will cause constant diahria and sever malnutrition.

I have heard of some with less than 100.  I know there are alot of critics of DS and distal, but I would just like to hear what others have.

Thanks so much,
Joyce

The person who told you that is either very misinformed or is lying to you.  If you look in my signature section there is a link to Lab Rat Data.  You can see the varying lengths of common channels that people have.

I just spent some time reading your data and what a great chart it is.  The information is interesting and it really shows that everyone is so different and how no two can expect the same results.

I know  the horror stories scare me, I am just trying to keep an open mind.  A person cannot get a DS in Buffalo if you paid cash upfront.  There isn't a single surgeon who does them or approves of them.

Joyce

My common channel is 70 cm's.  I don't have constant diarrhea or severe malnutrition.  My labs are good, but I'm very particular about getting my vits in...always.  IF I had it to do over again, I'd get a teeny tiny tummy (like 1-1.5 oz) and have a common channel of 125-150 cm's.  Not because I regret my set up, but because of information I've read along the way.  Can't change it now unless there are problems down the road.  My 70 cm common channel is serving me well, and I'm sure it will be years before I could give you a great report on just how well.

Lori

Thanks Lori:

It is good to hear good results.  I wonder if the people that have alot of bathroom issues are because of white carbs or their eating habits or something with their surgery.

I met Beth P. yesterday when I went to  see Dr. Maguire and she is such a great person.

Joyce

Hi Joyce.   On the bowel and carb question, since surgery I've had some bathroom challenges - rarely urgent - but lots of trips and mostly on the liquidy side.  About two weeks ago, I realized that I was eating way too many simple carbs and cut way back.  From that moment, not only have I lost about 10 pounds, but my bathroom issues including frequency, consistency and gas issues, are entirely alleviated.  I've never had such a clear cause and effect and it's been illuminating.  Hope this helps.

ETA:  My CC is 100 cm. btw.

My common channel is about 75cm.  My surgeon does the Hess method - actually measures the small intestine & makes the common channel 10% of that.  I know I just had surgery 1 week ago, so I'm not an expert, but my best advise is research & do what make the most sense to you!  I personally loved that each person gets a costomized DS.  Good Luck!

Definitely phooey--from my reading, there are actually more surgeons who will make the CC shorter than 150 than there are who would keep it that long.

I'm going to be discussing all measurements (stomach size, common channel, alimentary limb, etc.) with my surgeon in detail because I am so young. I think I may want a slightly smaller stomach and a longer CC only because I should have a good 50+ years of malabsorption ahead of me (I just  turned 26) 

My DS surgeon Dr Inman, measures the intestines and uses the Hess method. Mine were 600 to start with so she made mine 60 cm. Sounds short but all of us are different.
I have not had ANY bowel problems. IN FACT I am more on the constipated side. I take stool softeners 3 times a day and benifiber...I now have one nice normal BM early in the morning-- some times it will skip a day before I have another BM same time and type.
Glad you are getting your info from people that have actually experienced it rather than from :someone said someone said- type info. Best wishes.

Mine is 67 cm so I will stay on top of my vitamins and labs for life! I don;t have constant diarrhea either. My surgeon uses the Hess method for determining CC length.

~ Bev