I found out today that I have a 40 french bougie? Is that big? What is it?

Mine is 38f and it's working great. Put bougie in the search box and tons of results some with pictures of the size comparisons will come up.

34, and to a lesser degree 32, seem to be the popular sizes - at least with American surgeons. (I don't really follow MX/Int surgeon info). The capacity differences between them is negligible. A 400 IIRC holds about 1 tsp more than a 34. But that's all very rough, because we're really never the exact size of the bougie anyway.

The bougie is the "template" the surgeons use (some do not use them) when they cut the stomach. They look kind of like tapered worms. Here's an approximation of sizes (I saved this months ago from OH, I hate going there - think I found it in a google search so I don't know who to give credit to. I asked my program's PA if this was accurate and he said "pretty much" - so...)

See - even a "large" bougie (close to a 60) is still going to have the capacity of, say, a garden hose. So I don't think one would classify a 40 as "too big"

I found out today that I have a 40 french bougie? Is that big? What is it?

That is much bigger than what I think most surgeon's are doing these days. That being said, the differences could be compared to say a pen, marker, sharpie, etc... (just for examples) and many will say it doesn't really matter- there has been MUCH debate on that already, so I'm not going there. Personally for me that was part of my requirements up front was to have the smallest sized stomach possible without having risk of health complications. My surgeon used a size 30 bougie.

Now, there are other things to keep in mind that have to do with how your surgeon did your surgery because every surgeon has their own "technique". Some will just use the bougie as a guide and sew just a little outside the bougie, others just inside. It's supposed to be used as a guide for them to know how to size your new stomach.

Again, lots of debate about whether having a larger size bougie affects long term success. I guess at the end of the day, if you have a larger stomach, then you can eat a little more than someone w/a smaller stomach- simple physics. I don't know that there is enough solid long term data that proves what size bougie has what types of success rates. I have seen some research, but it's not comprehensive.

You have had the surgery, so just focus on staying on track with your Dr.'s eating plan and don't worry about it. You can't change anything at this point. If you are still curious, ask your dr. to explain to you a little more about how he used the bougie as his guide in creating your new stomach.

Looking at that picture, the difference is almost negligible. As long as he did not leave any of the stretchy part of the stomach, you're good to go. I have a 34, and sometimes I think I can eat way too much, but I think I healed a lot faster than some people. My capacity and tolerance came rather quickly. I was hoping for a longer period of surgical swelling. (siighh) Oh well. It's working anyway! You'll do great too!

They really are negligible. And even looking at the capacity difference from say 32 to 60, it's stil negligible. I mean, about a tsp. Wtf cares about a tsp. A tsp of food never made anyone obese, or kept them from reaching goal weight.

IMO, the most important factor around bougie size (and do keep in mind the sizing is always a bit arbitrary... I doubt any two bougie patients have the same exact capacity and if they do it's a fluke) is stricture rates. Surgeons are favoring the 34 over the 32 because of the lower stricture rate (I don't remember the s but it was significant), while %EWL and other weightloss stats are virtually identical.

This is what the bougie looks like: http://www.medovatio..._Dilatation.pdf

My surgeon's report says he used a 38 French bougie as a sizing guide.

I do feel like I can probably eat more than others, but I am still losing well and not doing much exercising yet other than walking.

I've done some research and reading on this subject as well because I do see that a lot of people have 32's, especially coming out of Mexico, but I've come to the conclusion that people are just as successful with the slightly bigger bougies even though they may be able to eat a little bit more at one sitting.

My surgeon does only 38's, and I really feel that he is one of the best surgeons in the country, and so I trust that he has done some analysis in this matter as to what will work best in the long run for his patients.

In the end, our weight loss is up to us individually, and just because a bigger size bougie may be able to eat a little more doesn't mean that we have to. I am trying to eat until I am satiated and not until I am full, and I try to put my food in a small bowl, when I can, so I don't overeat.

Yesterday, I ate three-quarters of a Peanut Butter and jelly sandwich. The bread was whole wheat; the peanut butter was "Smart Balance" with less sugar; and the jelly was sugar free. That was Breakfast. lunch was two medium-sized shrimp and a few bites of orange roughy. dinner was one scrambled egg and a small link chicken sausage. Dessert was a sugar free fudge-sickle. Was that a lot? Maybe. Maybe I should have only eaten half the sandwich. I was at the beach and shared it with my dogs so maybe I ate less of it than I think I did.

I've seen people with smaller bougies say that they can take five bites, but I can definitely take more than five bites. I think the key is (for me) to eat slowly, chew well, and stop every so often to analyze if I am satiated before I keep going.

Interesting topic. Thanks.

My surgeon also uses a 38 - I am told that is where they think the whole risk of stricture and issues versus benefit of smaller size balances.

It is often said that the bougie size is just one factor on the actual stomach size. surgical technique and how long your stomach is may have an important impact on end size.

My surgeon used a 36f and have a good restriction there not much size difference

Thank you everyone. I was just curious about it.

I don't know what size mine is, but I know I can eat more than most people because I'm taller (6'1) , and have a long chest (which means longer stomach).. I'm a little over 3 months out and can eat 2 hot dogs with buns.

I feel super stuffed afterwards, but that's my limit.

Do I wish I could only eat 1? Somedays... but to contrast, I would have to eat 6 or 7 hotdogs to get the same stuffed feeling pre-op.. (and I've done so many times).. and once I'm at goal, it's going to be nice to be able to enjoy 2 hotdogs on occasion. (2 seems normal to me... neither 1 nor 7 does )

and before I get yelled at for eating hotdogs, they were turkey dogs

Oh, you made really laugh on that one... anticipating the "hit". LOL

Have a great day!

and before I get yelled at for eating hotdogs, they were turkey dogs

I don't know what size mine is, but I know I can eat more than most people because I'm taller (6'1) , and have a long chest (which means longer stomach).. I'm a little over 3 months out and can eat 2 hot dogs with buns.

I feel super stuffed afterwards, but that's my limit.

Do I wish I could only eat 1? Somedays... but to contrast, I would have to eat 6 or 7 hotdogs to get the same stuffed feeling pre-op.. (and I've done so many times).. and once I'm at goal, it's going to be nice to be able to enjoy 2 hotdogs on occasion. (2 seems normal to me... neither 1 nor 7 does )

and before I get yelled at for eating hotdogs, they were turkey dogs

DANG! I could only eat one hot dog with bun BEFORE surgery! So.....that begs the question....why was my butt so big??? hahahahahaha

I would love to eat a hot dog with bun this summer.!

I have a 40 and I think my restriction is just right. I'm 11 months out and am very happy with how much I can (and can't) eat. Sometimes I wish I could eat more. I just try to be careful and not get too full. It's uncomfortable and I'm too afraid of stretching out my sleeve.