Hi All,

I just had my phone consult with my surgeon and he said that he uses a 32 bougie, he just called it a french which makes sense. I'm a little alarmed at such a small size, he admits that he does what is called, "a tight sleeve", meaning that even a year out you can fit in a single boiled egg. This concerns me, yes of course I want a smaller stomach that's the point of the surgery, but I have lurked on these boards long enough that I know that more problems arise the smaller the stomach is.

Also, were I to get pregnant, I would want to be able to consume enough nutrition without it being a constant scary concern.

Finally, we have no data on WLS patients when they become elderly. If my stomach is that small and oversewn so it won't stretch, what will I do when I am 80 and have difficulty getting enough nutrition anyway? I'd really love to hear what everone has to say before I go and freak out on my surgeon.

Lee and Katt - I can identify with both of you - I lost my Mother last year to Alzheimers.

The tragic illness took her from us years before she was actually gone. My only saving grace is that I was adopted, but with a sister and brothers not adopted and older than me I understand your concerns.

I think the live your life motto is the best one.... no one knows what will happen tomorrow....so you make your decisions based on the information you have and hope for the best.

Good luck

Great post Katt. I don't have the pouch at the bottom either. Every surgeon has a little different technique, and I know that through my reading that some surgeons stay closer to the pylorus when stapling off, and others give more space.

The difference between a 32fr and 40fr is a mere 2.3mm. And, our own anatomy and specific surgeon technique plays a bigger role in sleeve capacity once the swelling has decreased.

I can consume double the portion sizes that I could at 2-3 months post op. But, I am eating the same quantities per meal that I did at 6 months. My surgeon believes my sleeve is at maximum capacity for life. I can now chug water/fluids, I no longer have to chew, chew, chew everything to mush. I still chew well, and eat slowly, but nothing like the immediate months following surgery.

I'm thinking of you!!! Mine is on Friday!

With such a surgery I think you're entitled to be a little manic!!

I'm in for my 32f next week..... and starting to get the butterflies already!!

Good luck