I went for my meeting with my surgeon yesterday and got my surgery date of Aug. 2. I went in with the mindset of getting RNY, but after an hour of speaking with the surgeon about pros and cons of each surgery, I was going with the VSG. My reasoning for originally deciding on RNY was that sweets and sugary foods are a major issue for me and I loved that deterrent that comes with having the bypass. The surgeon made a valid point in that I can't be certain that sugar and high carb foods will cause me distress and act as that deterrent. After thinking about all that we talked about, the only thing that is really nagging at me is the fact that I asked him what size bougie he used and would I have any choice/say in the matter. He told me that he uses a 40f and that was that. I personally, would feel more comfortable with a 36 or even 38 as I would like the safest option with the greatest restriction. I have not signed my final paperwork as of yet, and am feeling that I only plan on doing this once, so if I can't get anything smaller than the 40f, I will go with the bypass. Could anyone that has some experience under their belt give me a little guidance in what my best option would be under the circumstances?

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I went for my meeting with my surgeon yesterday and got my surgery date of Aug. 2. I went in with the mindset of getting RNY, but after an hour of speaking with the surgeon about pros and cons of each surgery, I was going with the VSG. My reasoning for originally deciding on RNY was that sweets and sugary foods are a major issue for me and I loved that deterrent that comes with having the bypass. The surgeon made a valid point in that I can't be certain that sugar and high carb foods will cause me distress and act as that deterrent. After thinking about all that we talked about, the only thing that is really nagging at me is the fact that I asked him what size bougie he used and would I have any choice/say in the matter. He told me that he uses a 40f and that was that. I personally, would feel more comfortable with a 36 or even 38 as I would like the safest option with the greatest restriction. I have not signed my final paperwork as of yet, and am feeling that I only plan on doing this once, so if I can't get anything smaller than the 40f, I will go with the bypass. Could anyone that has some experience under their belt give me a little guidance in what my best option would be under the circumstances?

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Congratulations on making the decision to get healthy and for getting a surgery date.

Personally, I wouldn't dream of dictating what surgical tools my surgeon uses. I chose an outstanding surgeon with an outstanding track record. He is a specialist.

If you have chosen a good, experienced surgeon you should feel confident leaving the decision on how he performs surgery up to him. If you are not confident in his skills then you may want to reconsider.

I agree that it is important to rely on your surgeons experience and judgement. It is my understanding that the weightloss long term is the same no matter the bougie size. Maybe a second opinion?

I went for my meeting with my surgeon yesterday and got my surgery date of Aug. 2. I went in with the mindset of getting RNY, but after an hour of speaking with the surgeon about pros and cons of each surgery, I was going with the VSG. My reasoning for originally deciding on RNY was that sweets and sugary foods are a major issue for me and I loved that deterrent that comes with having the bypass. The surgeon made a valid point in that I can't be certain that sugar and high carb foods will cause me distress and act as that deterrent. After thinking about all that we talked about, the only thing that is really nagging at me is the fact that I asked him what size bougie he used and would I have any choice/say in the matter. He told me that he uses a 40f and that was that. I personally, would feel more comfortable with a 36 or even 38 as I would like the safest option with the greatest restriction. I have not signed my final paperwork as of yet, and am feeling that I only plan on doing this once, so if I can't get anything smaller than the 40f, I will go with the bypass. Could anyone that has some experience under their belt give me a little guidance in what my best option would be under the circumstances?

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I had gastric sleeve surgery on May 9th, 2016. I am amazed at how little interest in food I have now. I sometimes think it would be nice to have a taste and do and thats it. I am satisfied. I had the 36 bogie. Could you interview another doctor? i am really happy with this decision.

I agree with what other's have said......I would not consider dictating the tools my surgeon uses.....Here's some information you may find helpful....You need to have trust in your surgeon..

http://www.wlshelp.com/news/sleeve-gastrectomy-does-size-matter/

I find it odd that the surgeon is even letting you decide!

During surgery the bougie is only used as a guide, the surgeon cuts based on the curvature and condition of the stomach.

In relation to size... the difference between sizes is very minimal.. i personally would not choose a surgery based on bougie size... but rather on what will work longterm for my current weight, eating habits and lifestyle.. and the realistic changes i can make.

As you can see... the difference between the 32, 36 & 40 are minimal...

Edited June 18, 201610 yr by AussieGirl81

FYI -

"In a 2013 study, researchers wanted to find out if there is an ideal bougie size. To do this, they did a search of medical literature published in the last 5 years and analyzed 32 publications involving 4,999 patients.

What they found:

The use of bougies 40F and larger had a leak rate of 0.92% and excess weight loss of 69.2%.

The use of bougies smaller than 40F had a leak rate of 2.67% and excess weight loss of 60.7%."

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