I posted here about a month ago, having thought about having this surgery as the solution to fixing my stomach that has been stretched out to about 4 times the size of an average persons stomach (an able to hold about 8 lbs of food, resulting in continuous hunger and overeating). I then thought that i could try to attempt to shrink my stomach myself, by eating small portions. Well, the stomach acid has eaten my stomach alive, even with taking Nexium, and i have never had an acid problem, and the hunger is so extreme i am hardly able to function. I have decided to go ahead with the surgery, but have a modified version of it and have a larger sleeve done. Does anyone know about the different sizes of the bougie's? and what is typically used?

Thanks,

Jillian

Hey Jillian,

Here's a PDF file with a couple of different type of esophageal bougies.

The most common sizes for a stand alone sleeve procedure are 32fr, 34fr, 36fr, and 40fr.

With this manufacturer, it appears the largest is a 60fr. I've not ever looked to see if they make bigger, but you can review the sizes and see the difference.

http://www.medovations.com/pdf/Esophageal_Dilatation.pdf

Best wishes.

Just curious, why would you want a larger sleeve??

Wow thank you Tiffy, i had no idea they had so many different sizes!

Stacy- just because i dont have as much weight to lose as most people getting the surgery. However if i did go with a smaller sleeve i'm sure my metabolism would re-adjust and the new stomach would eventually stretch larger anyhow i suppose...

Since my sleeve, I'm actually continually amazed at just how LITTLE food I need to survive (and thrive!)

I think my conception of how much food I needed was way, way out of whack!

You are so right- we are so used to overeating, we really need very little food to survive. And even if we reach a normal and healthy weight- we still have sufficient body fat to last us a long while. Look at those in countries without hardly any food. People walking around at 80 lbs. They survive. Just nothing but bones. Obviously the body knows how to adjust with very little food. It looks like the smallest you can get for a sleeve is a 28, and the largest is a 60. If i go with a 32, i wonder how much my stomach will be able to hold.

IteraWeemparaafgd

Jillian,

I am glad that you are moving forward. Have you talked to any doctors yet and have they recommended a size?

It will be interesting to follow your story : )

your stomach should be able to hold 3-4 oz. But, you will get sick if you over eat, or eat too fast, so just follow doctors guidelines and you will be fine.

Surgery was a success! I did get a 4 oz stomach so i am not able to eat much at all right now, but i know it will stretch with time. I'm recovering now and so glad to have made this decision. No regrets!!!

Jillian

Surgery Date: 5-17-2010

I said congrats on your other post : ) I am glad you found a doctor to do this for you. Sounds like 4oz might work great!

Keep up the positive attitude! It only gets better!