How many of you talked to your surgeon about the bougie size he would use for your sleeve surgery? And if you did, how did it go, did you have input?

I find myself obsessing about this because I want my sleeve to be small (within safe and reasonable limits of course) I have read that 32f is the smallest we can use here in the US? I am thinking 34f or 36f. Of course I plan on talking to my surgeon about this on Tues at my pre op, but I have a bit of anxiety over it. Worried that it seems like second guessing him, or is this a fair and common topic to discuss?

I asked my surgeon and he uses a 36

Me too-- 36.

Mine used a 32 French. I have had no problems. I just have to make sure I take small bites. I have never got sick, and I have healed very quickly. My doctor is also very strict on what you can eat for the first 6 months. For the first 3 weeks, water, protein and broth only. Three weeks after soft blended (baby food soft) soup non creamy. 6 weeks after soft protein, fish shrimp, chicken, and some veggie. I'm allowed 2 tbs of fruit a day. Not much I know. But it's protein, protein, protein.

I asked and mines uses a 50. I asked for a tight sleeve and he said those who use the lower numbers don't actually cut against it. He said at a 50, my sleeve would be about the size of a nickel

It's a perfectly valid question for you to ask. If your surgeon uses a size that's different from what you hoped for, you can ask for their reasons. I too was hoping for a smaller size, but when I asked my surgeon about it she explained why she would use a 40 or 42 for me - a little larger than she usually uses (I think in the 34-38 range) because I was a revision from band and she was concerned about scar tissue.

I agreed that avoiding complications was more important than a smaller sleeve - and she reassured me that the differences were really very small, and that I'd be able to be perfectly successful - and at 98 pounds down so far I feel good about it! I think I can eat more than some, but I'm good with that, and am still doing well.

36

Good question. I imagine there could be variation in the way different surgeons work with the bougie - how closely they staple to it. really, it's a guide. Also - there's apparently wide variation in the length of people's stomachs. Taller people I hear generally have longer ones than shorter people, but like all body parts, there's variation. So that makes a big difference too in the total capacity of the stomach. The bougie size only impacts the width of the sleeve.

Is the size of the sleeve uniformly similar with one bougie size or does surgeon technique account for variances in size? I am a bit confused about this topic

Is the size of the sleeve uniformly similar with one bougie size or does surgeon technique account for variances in size? I am a bit confused about this topic

it seems like it is both. I would think if a surgeon uses a small bougie but does NOT actually use it as a template or guide then doesn't that leave a lot to chance as far as the size pouch we wind up with?? I am confused too.

The bottom line for me is to discuss with my surgeon and defer to his judgement. I am sure each surgeon does what seems best in his or her hands.

Yep I agree, I know my surgeon does many successful surgeries and I have a feeling he wont be extreme one way or the other. Im sure I will feel better after we talk about it tuesday.

I was told by a few ppl the bigger the size the less acid reflux u have..mines was a 36 the last thing i need is acid reflux that's just the worst!!

I was told by a few ppl the bigger the size the less acid reflux u have..mines was a 36 the last thing i need is acid reflux that's just the worst!!

So you have had little to no reflux issues with the 36?

My US surgeon told me (when I asked) that he uses 36s on most patients. That's what I got. I think I'm doing great.

The research I've read says there's virtually no difference long-term in the amount of weight lost (in terms of BMI changes) or the maintenance record of those with different bougie sizes 32 - 40.

So yes -- broach the subject to understand more about bougie size options and outcomes. And yes, let the surgeon make a bougie size recommendation / decision because your surgeon has (we hope) done hundreds / thousands of these surgeries and knows a lot more issues related to bougie size than you or I do (at least at this point).

Don't worry. Be happy.

Edited February 7, 201511 yr by VSGAnn2014

Ther are a couple studies out there with a decent population size that seem to show a slightly larger boogie (40-60) has lower leak rate and actually more weight loss than more restrictive.

Google boogie leak rate and they will pop right up. I got a 40.

My US surgeon told me (when I asked) that he uses 36s on most patients. That's what I got. I think I'm doing great.

The research I've read says there's virtually no difference long-term in the amount of weight lost or the maintenance record of those with different bougie sizes 32 - 40.

So yes -- broach the subject to understand more about bougie size options and outcomes. And yes, let the surgeon make a bougie size recommendation / decision because your surgeon has (we hope) done hundreds / thousands of these surgeries and knows a lot more issues related to bougie size than you or I do (at least at this point).

Don't worry. Be happy.

Thanks, I like this!!

Ther are a couple studies out there with a decent population size that seem to show a slightly larger boogie (40-60) has lower leak rate and actually more weight loss than more restrictive.

Google boogie leak rate and they will pop right up. I got a 40.

Thank you! Based on what little I know so far, I could live with 40f