I just received my detailed surgical notes for my VSG (Nov. 6, 2012) today. It was really pretty interesting.

Things I learned:

The amount of stomach that was removed from my body was 8.85 inches x 1.77 inches x 0.78 inches. That's a large stomach, if you think about it! No wonder why I was always hungry... I also had a bulbous stomach (bulb shaped) that was twisted and angular. Apparently the angle was over 90 degrees, and it was positioned weirdly near my spleen.

I was told before surgery that I had a fatty liver, but the surgeon didn't notice much fat. He said the liver was unremarkable. I did not do a pre-op diet and had no "liver shrinking" cleanses or anything like that.

They had to untwist my stomach and move it towards a normal position before beginning surgery. My spleen was actually nicked (a small nick) while they were untwisting my stomach, and they had to put some surgicel (product that stops bleeding) in me. I lost only 100cc blood, so it wasn't bad at all.

A 50 french bougie was used for creating my new tummy. I knew this before surgery, and yes...compared to a 32 or whatever a lot of people on here get, a 50 seems crazy! That being said, I was also told that the difference between a 32 bougie and my 50 bougie is minimal. It's like comparing a pen to a marker. I was also told that a larger bougie really helps to limit some of the complications that may arise post-surgery (strictures, throwing up, pain while eating). The restriction I feel is definitely enough to make me stop eating...so I don't worry about all this. I trust my surgeon, he knows what's best and what's been successful in his practice.

I thought I'd share some of those little tidbits of info. I thought it was neat to know. I also have info on the size scopes, needles, tubes---everything; so if anyone has anything specific they'd like to know about the surgical process (at least, my surgical process), I can see if it's listed.

Great info! Thanks for sharing!

Interesting, thanks!

wow, that is interesting...........where I live they would never show you the notes!

wow' date=' that is interesting...........where I live they would never show you the notes![/quote']

I was self pay and they sent me everything, all surgical notes and test results. I requested them though because where I'm from you can submit all these with a receipt for surgery and get a partial rebate.

Great information. Thanks for posting

You have the right as a patient to request a copy of your medical records (at least in the US you do). Simply speak with the medical records department at your hospital and ask for copies of all documents related to that specific hospitalization. You may have to pay for the copies but, I think it is worth having the documentation especially if you move and need to be seen by another doctor.