After doing A LOT of investigating, I have learned different doctors do the sleeve (or the pouch they create) differently. For instance, I understand Dr. Rodriguez does one called the french bougie--a smaller sleeve to restrict more. Also learned the best staples are J& J and Covidian.

I would have never thought to ask these kinds of questions-- Is there anything we should know or ask?????

My husband & I are really trying to decide between a few doctors and this is a very hard decision. We keep going back and forth.

Can anyone tell me anything to sway me between Dr. Kelly, Dr. Rodriguez and we really think Dr. Aceves or Dr. Ortiz would be awesome, but they are the most expensive:(

Thanks.

A bougie is just an instrument that surgeons use to guide them roughly for size of the sleeve. Different surgeons use different bougie sizes, French is the measurement used for size of bougies, from 32 fr to around 38 fr is what they use mostly, but there isn't much of a difference, only milimeters between the diff sizes. The staples I know that are titanium staples, but that's all I know, hope this helps

I have surgical steel staples. Kind of freaked me out pre-op, but it's the way they do things here...and apparently there are people running around with steel staples in them all over this country (and other areas of the continent).

The kind of sleeve I have -- no clue. It's a wee restrictive one, lol. Works just dandy so far.

Alas, c'est la vie. I take the good with the questionable.

ETA: Oopsie, I didn't read the instructions properly LOL...I didn't have surgery in Mexico. Sorry!

That is helpful! It makes it sound kinda less important though. Like what size the sleeve is would only be mil. difference.

They said the staples were titanium and told me the two best kinds.

Flights are usually cheapest on Tues nights so even if we flip a coin, we're booking tonight:)

A bougie is just an instrument that surgeons use to guide them roughly for size of the sleeve. Different surgeons use different bougie sizes, French is the measurement used for size of bougies, from 32 fr to around 38 fr is what they use mostly, but there isn't much of a difference, only milimeters between the diff sizes. The staples I know that are titanium staples, but that's all I know, hope this helps

Dr Kelly uses 34 french oversewn. While I have extreme restriction with dense food, I was very happy I had no problem drinking and getting in fluids well immediately after being released from the hospital. I did not wanna struggle with staying hydrated. As far as I know the staples are titanium. I don't know the brand name. Good luck!!

Where did you get your staples removed?

Where did you get your staples removed?

Stomach staples stay in forever and tissue grows over them. It's how your new stomach gets sealed. Some surgeons also sew over the staple line.

Exactly as KellyL said - I have Titanium staples - and Dr Kelly uses a 34 bougie. I went with Dr Kelly and have not had a single regret/complication or issue!

Best wishes on your journey!