I keep seeing messages here about it and realize that apparently there are different sizes but not sure exactly what it is. It has never been brought up in my classes. Is it something I should ask about with the surgeon when that time comes?

A bougie is a measuring tool used in surgery as a guide for the surgeon to make our sleeves.

The standard sizes for stand-alone sleeve procedures are 32fr, 34fr, 36fr, and 40fr.

I would ask which size they use, but there is minimal difference between these sizes. The difference between a 32fr and a 40fr is a mere 2.3 millimeters in circumference.

The anesthesiologist slides the bougie down your esophagus when directed by the surgeon, and it is removed once the staple line is established.

Yes, it should be discussed with your surgeon.