how does the surgeon choose which boogie size is best? can the patient request a certain size?

In the UK, the surgeon, through experience, chooses the boogie size they think is the most effective, based on the risks of going too small or too big. I don't think they selected it based on the patient in front of them.

When I went in for my pre-op meeting, I was told 'Its a 34 boogie I will use and that's the only one we really tend to use here'. Pretty much end of discussion.

I knew 34 was fairly small, so I accepted it and moved on.

Are you hoping for a choice?

While walking the halls after surgery I saw my surgeon sitting at a computer and asked him what size he used. He replied "the perfect size". I then started guessing and it turned out to be 38.

The difference between them is miniscule. So, 38 may well be the perfect size!

I'd say it sounds all good

While walking the halls after surgery I saw my surgeon sitting at a computer and asked him what size he used. He replied "the perfect size". I then started guessing and it turned out to be 38.

My surgeon uses a 38 because he over sews to avoid leaks and it becomes a 36

At a recent ObesityWeek conference for medical professionals, the overall consensus is that the best bougie size is 36-38.

Alos, Lapbands are on a serious decline, due to erosions and other complications.

For BMIs over 50, either do bypass or VSG, not Lapband.

my surgeon only uses size 40. He is on conservative side. I can't complain as it's small enough for me - I've lost over 100 in about 10 months. I think 32 to 40 is the usual range.

Mine used a 32.

But I don't think that matters much. Following your doctors plan is what makes you successful.