I everyone, I am scheduled for VSG surgery on July 27th. I have been dealing with the staff of my surgeon but I hope to talk to him soon in more detail about the procedure.

I found he uses a size 46 bougie. My guess for this size would be to complete the second step RNY or DS if needed. My goal is only to have the sleeve done even though insurance will not pay unless it is considered a 2 part surgery with a rny or ds being the second stage. Thankfully there is nothing that states I will need to have the second surgery so my plan is to do well enough with the sleeve.

Anyway, I do not see many posts with doctors using a size 46 bougie. What are some questions I should ask my surgeon when I see him? I want to stress to him that I think the sleeve is the best surgery to have and that I do not want the RNY or DS after unless I am not losing the weight.

Thanks

My doctor said that he uses a 40F Bougie. When I asked him how big it would be, he pointed to my thumb. I have tiny hands. Does this sound about right?

Mine used a 40 on me also, and when he was describing the new size also used the thumb as an example. I'm only 2 months out so don't know long term, but so far a 40 is working just fine for restriction. I can't eat more than an ounce or two at a time. My surgeon does do a lot of oversewing which can make the size slightly smaller, and helps prevent post-op leaks.

JaneP, I don't think my surgeon oversews. He said that he does a Buttress to Staple. I guess I should research what that is. :bananajump:

Congrats on your sleeve working so well for you!

what about dr aceves...do any of you know what size he uses? i have never heard of this bourgie(sp?) thing!!!!

:party4:

JaneP, I don't think my surgeon oversews. He said that he does a Buttress to Staple. I guess I should research what that is.

Congrats on your sleeve working so well for you!

Hi! Buttress is a really strong type of "thread" that they use and then they staple after. At least that is how my doc explained that one! :smile1:

:party4:

Hi! Buttress is a really strong type of "thread" that they use and then they staple after. At least that is how my doc explained that one! :smile1:

Thank you! I like how that sounds. I've been reading about it on google and it makes me feel reassured about potential leaks to have the reinforcement.

Thank you! I like how that sounds. I've been reading about it on google and it makes me feel reassured about potential leaks to have the reinforcement.

That is right and my doctor also says that if you don't have a leak within the 2 weeks, you never will. . . so that is even more reassuring!

When I was at my appointment today I asked what size boughie my Dr. uses and his answer was about the diameter of your thumb or index finger. Does this sound right? What size do you think that equals? Any advise. Is this good or bad or do I really want to know? ( just wondering because I really like my Dr).

Take a look at this: VSGGuide - FAQs

it will answer your questions and good to know info. as well.:thumbup:

When I was at my appointment today I asked what size boughie my Dr. uses and his answer was about the diameter of your thumb or index finger. Does this sound right? What size do you think that equals? Any advise. Is this good or bad or do I really want to know? ( just wondering because I really like my Dr).

Thank you for the information.

hi,what is " oversewing " ??? I will have my sleeve this coming friday and cheking out any problem i may have. thanks so much

What are some questions I should ask my surgeon when I see him?

At my pre-op appt on Thursday I asked what size bougie and was told it was a 16 or 18 to make it easier to go down your throat and then it was expanded with air. My surgeon does not oversew as he said he finds the stitches creates more holes and more trama to the tissue. Prior to surgery end he clips off he bottom and closes off the esophagus and pressure tests the sleeve - the pressure is greater than any cough you would have. He has never had a sleeve leak and out of 2500 bypass surgeries he has only had 7 leaks. He is in practice with another surgeon and they perform all surgeries together so you have two attending surgeons from a Center of Excellence and I have met both - one did my initial appt and the other the pre-op. The diet they do is a little more restrictive than I have read on here. Day before surgery is clear fluids as is the week following surgery. The 2nd week is full liquids and the 3rd and 4th week is mushies.

Hi Kabranda,

I had Clear Liquids for the first five days, then full liquids after that. I'm 12 days out and hope to be moved to pureed foods by the end of the week. I know that continues for at least another two weeks. I think our plans are quite similar. The great news is that you won't be hungry after surgery and will need to remember to get your fluids in. I didn't feel hunger at all until day 10, and then just barely. The good thing is that at that point 1/3 cup of greek yogurt is so filling. You won't have any problem with the food plan.

Good luck!