shrinkvi

The size of the bougie does have an effect on how likely you are to maintain your weight loss in the long term. There isn't a big difference in weight loss early on (the first couple years) but in the long term, people who had a larger bougie (>44 Fr) had significantly more regain. Here's the research paper - if you skim down to "7. Weight loss results" they give the details.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1743919114000454
I asked my surgeon what size bougie he used. It was the smallest one (32, I think?). According to the research paper linked above, people had good long term results with sizes equal to or smaller than 36.
I would say, don't be afraid to ask. My surgeon was happy to discuss details with me and answer all my questions.
Good luck!

Compared to the stretch marks and loose skin....the teenie little scars are a moot point. To me, anyway.
Another thing to consider....single incision procedures are newer, and surgeons haven't done hundreds or even thousands of them in their careers....like multi incision procedures.
I want my doctor to be VERY experienced with what s/he is doing when they're working next to my spleen.
food for thought.

It's gas in the abdominable cavity from anesthetic and air they pump in there so they can see around the organs. WALKING and more walking will get rid of it. You also have inflammation from surgery causing pain - take the liquid tylenol and take the pain meds, it will ease up in the next week or two. Exhaustion is from not enough Fluid and nutrition - push liquids every 15 minutes - this also gets easier - try warm liquid like tea and alternate with sf popsicles. Hang in there. GERD medicine varies, it may take trying different brands/amounts to find what works for you - also once swelling goes down this should ease as well.
Be patient, nap, walk, read, be kind to yourself....hang in there