I had the lapband removed in Sept. I am going to get the sleeve. I have talked with 2 surgeons . One uses a 36 bougie and the other uses a 32 bougie and over sews. I am concerned about the differences. Does anyone have an opinion on this? As far as weightloss, will it be harder with a 36 bougie. I have about 50 pounds to lose. Not sure what to do.

I am a revision too. (I am having my sleeve done In January) My doc uses a 32 FR. Maybe you've seen his video. Hopefully it will help , but it sounds like you already know this info… I would be a little concerned being a revision from band and having a 36 Fr bougie, but that's just me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3G4dSmJUro

I am a band to sleeve revision also. I had my band removed and the sleeve performed on 10/25/13. My doctor uses a 32 French. There isn't that much difference between the two sizes. Did you ask the doctors why they use the size they use? One french is equal to 1/3 mm. A 32 french is 10.7 mm or 0.419 inches.

Some people have longer stomachs than others. Here is a you tube from Dr. Alvarez where he explains about the bougie.

Good luck to both of you with your upcoming surgery.

i noticed this doctor seemed to stitch over the staple line. seems like a pod idea. i wonder how many doctors do that as well.

Dr. Alvarez addressed this question on stitching over the staple line in his week podcast. He explains why he does it here...

Obviously I'm a huge fan of his…lol

http://guillermoalvarez.podomatic.com/entry/2013-12-03T08_55_28-08_00

My dr also double stitches, lowering the rate of leaks. He uses a 34 bougie. I think thats a happy medium. Not sure there's much of a difference when it comes to real life. 32/34/36. It may mean the difference between being able to take 5 bites vs 6.

You mentioned a low bmi with revision. My bmi 5 mths ago when revised was 28. I had 40 lbs to lose (now I have about 18). U can have a totally normal bmi and still be revised. As long as ur have a history of obesity, they realize that if u have no tool inside, ur likely to gain back all that was lost.

Good luck!