In following multiple posts.. I see people talking about different sizes of sleeves. I didnt know there were different "sizes" to be had?? I thought that a % of your stomach was removed- I know with the band there were multiple sizes but I would think all surgeons remove the same amount.

My doctor said he would remove 80-85% of my stomach so what "size" would that sleeve be?

In following multiple posts.. I see people talking about different sizes of sleeves. I didnt know there were different "sizes" to be had?? I thought that a % of your stomach was removed- I know with the band there were multiple sizes but I would think all surgeons remove the same amount.

My doctor said he would remove 80-85% of my stomach so what "size" would that sleeve be?

SIZE refers to what size bougie or other instrument your doctor uses to measure and cut your sleeve. My doc doesn't use a bougie but the tool he uses is equal to size 34 french bougie. Pretty small The size can go from like 32 up to around 60. There is not much difference in the sizes, millimeters I think. You can ask your doctor what size bougie he uses. Good Luck!

There is not a standard procedure for the sleeve surgery. Each surgeon's technique is different, some cut/staple off closer to the pylorus than other, some leave more at the top, some don't use bougies as a measuring guide for their sleeve patients. The most common sizes of bougies is 32fr -40fr, and the difference is a couple of millimeters. Anything over a 40fr has shown and is documented to give patients a higher incidence of regain at 3-5 years out.

Also, each individual stomach, each person's anatomy is different so what you are left with can not be measured until your sleeve has matured and that takes between 6-12 months for most sleeve patients.

Well during my pre- op today I found out he does a 40. He explained that less was just in millimeters and his experience is anything less than a 38 puts you at a greater risk of problem including mal-absorption and ultimately leading to a bypass. I have to trust that he knows this to be true and am content with his explanation- worst case scenario in 10-20 years I need a revision. to my revision.. lol...

Well during my pre- op today I found out he does a 40. He explained that less was just in millimeters and his experience is anything less than a 38 puts you at a greater risk of problem including mal-absorption and ultimately leading to a bypass. I have to trust that he knows this to be true and am content with his explanation- worst case scenario in 10-20 years I need a revision. to my revision.. lol...

Mine is 28/32F and yes malabsorption is my problem. I'm almost 2 years out, but have had no major problems, thank goodness. there are days i really wish i hadn't done this, but then more then most am very happy with my sleeve and it's size. I can just imagine how "lovely" i'd look if i hadn't done this 21 months ago? Ugh. . .