Does anyone know how the Doctor determines how much of the stomach is removed during sleeve surgery?...Is it a standard amount? Does it depend on the size? I've been continuously thinking about this while I wait for my big day...

Much like a certain part of the male anatomy, stomachs vary in both length and width. The bougie only controls the width of the sleeve, there is no way to diminish the length. What you are experiencing is the natural consequence of having a long stomach/sleeve.
But, whether you start out with a sleeve with a higher capacity, or you develop more capacity over time, the end result is the same. Calories count, so you have to either restrict portion sizes of calorically-dense foods, or you have to eat foods that are not calorie dense (or a combination of the two).
So, for me, it means I measure my fats and carbs, and don't have to measure my non-starchy veggies.

Is the width end up being the same for everyone?

48 minutes ago, Tanyatata said:

Is the width end up being the same for everyone?

Surgeons do use bougies of slightly different sizes, but ultimately it's not enough to make a huge difference. One sleever may get full on 3 oz, and the next one can eat 8oz.. but either way, it's much less than the 32-64oz that a typical stomach can hold.

46 minutes ago, Tanyatata said:

Is the width end up being the same for everyone?

Not every surgeon uses the same size bougie or calibration tube. For example the surgeon I work with used to use a 32 french bougie for bypasses and a 36 for sleeves. Now just uses a 36 for everybody.

I imagine all surgeons will use the same size for all of their patients (possibly a different size for sleeve vs bypass)

'I think the size really isnt as important as people are making it out to be. Like having a bigger/smaller tube isnt going to determine how successful someone is

Much like a certain part of the male anatomy, stomachs vary in both length and width. The bougie only controls the width of the sleeve, there is no way to diminish the length. What you are experiencing is the natural consequence of having a long stomach/sleeve.
But, whether you start out with a sleeve with a higher capacity, or you develop more capacity over time, the end result is the same. Calories count, so you have to either restrict portion sizes of calorically-dense foods, or you have to eat foods that are not calorie dense (or a combination of the two).
So, for me, it means I measure my fats and carbs, and don't have to measure my non-starchy veggies.

Totally agree I'm down -15 lbs since surgery.. I stepped on the scale for the 1st time since my post op appointment 8 days ago and I'm down 15 lbs. I'm just keeping track on Myfitnesspal. I'm taking in about 1200 calories a day. The best part about it is I'm not hungry. I used to take in easily 3k calories and work out for 1 1/2 hrs and lose nothing and still be hungry... Now I'm satisfied too the point of being full on 1200 calories. I'm beyond happy. Today was a an amazing day for me. I had so much energy. Now I'm just relaxing watching the world series and hockey.

Sent from my SM-G935T using BariatricPal mobile app

Surgeons do use bougies of slightly different sizes, but ultimately it's not enough to make a huge difference. One sleever may get full on 3 oz, and the next one can eat 8oz.. but either way, it's much less than the 32-64oz that a typical stomach can hold.

Your so smart and informed about this subject that is so important to everybody that has this surgery . Thank you !!!! P.s I really hope yur not blowing smoke up our asses... lol just kidding I believe everything you've said.

Sent from my SM-G935T using BariatricPal mobile app

If you are taller than she is your sleeve IS bigger because it only reduces the width not length.

Yeah, I am a good six inches taller than her

9 hours ago, BuffaloBill said:

Your so smart and informed about this subject that is so important to everybody that has this surgery . Thank you !!!! P.s I really hope yur not blowing smoke up our asses... lol just kidding I believe everything you've said.

Sent from my SM-G935T using BariatricPal mobile app

I wonder how I'd even do that.. it would take some special equipment and such....

Too much work.

Sorry.

At this point I've spent a couple thousand hours looking at bariatric related stuff. I've watched the actual surgeries on youtube, read a lot of studies, and watched the likes of Dr. Matthew Weiner and Dr. Duc Vuong. I'm always excited to see a new piece of information (and I am still learning new stuff all the time).

I don't work at the moment, so this is like a job/hobby. And if I can help others, all the better.

What is a self-esteem boost is y'all listen to me better than my own family. (Funny how that works).

But, the problems are always the same. My MIL (who lives with me) started trying to lose weight.. is doing well. She has lost about 30lbs, and suddenly it's the dreaded stall/scale bounce up. So now I hear her moaning and groaning, just like everyone on this board! Aaaahhhhh! Lol!

Both hubby and MIL lose 30 or 40lbs (they were both 100lbs overweight to start).. and then the scale stops budging, they lose heart and stop watching what they are eating as closely. I'm watching WHY DIETS FAIL unfold, right before my eyes.

They refuse to weight/count/measure. It's ok to drink a few calories or grab fast food. Just this once. I was in a hurry. I was out of town.

Yup.

How far along are you when was yur surgery ? I started with eggs and crumbled Turkey sausage and that's all I've had room for today. I definately can feel the restriction. I'm actually worried about not being able to get in enough calories when it's time to switch to soft food only. The one thing that is regrettable about the surgery right now is I've totally lost my love of WATER. I drank nothing but Water (and alcohol) over the past couple years and now I have no thirst or want of water. That kinda sucks

Sent from my SM-G935T using BariatricPal mobile app

I had surgery March 20th of this year, so just turned 7 months postop.

The way I kept my calories up until my tummy relaxed was to drink most of them. Well.. not so worried about CALORIES per se.. more about meeting protein goals. I was still drinking most of my protein (in milk) until at least 6 weeks post. I'd eat, but didn't really count it until I could eat enough to make it worthwhile. 2 spoonfuls of split pea soup filled me up at 3 weeks post.. so how do you count that? (you don't).

Water may get better for you. It's hit and miss for me. When I'm THIRSTY, it goes down A-ok. If I'm just drinking to meet my fluid goals.. forget it. I drink alot of coffee (regular and decaf) and tea. (And a pint of coconut water each day for potassium).

I think this might be how I will go about it. I don't really get to full on Liquids but solid food and I'm worried I won't get my daily nutritional goals in...

Sent from my SM-G935T using BariatricPal mobile app

I think this might be how I will go about it. I don't really get to full on Liquids but solid food and I'm worried I won't get my daily nutritional goals in...

Sent from my SM-G935T using BariatricPal mobile app

Then supplement with liquids. I needed to until more than a year out. I actually still supplement more days than not.

On 20/10/2017 at 2:07 AM, confusedturtle3 said:

My doc said 80% will be removed. I think it is to make sure the parts that trigger hunger are removed but I could be wrong. It’s been a few months since I watched the video. I believe 80% is standard but again, I could be wrong lol


HW 248 CW 241 Surgery Date: pending 11/21/2017

85% for me he said size 32 bougie.

On 21/10/2017 at 1:23 AM, Mhy12784 said:

Not every surgeon uses the same size bougie or calibration tube. For example the surgeon I work with used to use a 32 french bougie for bypasses and a 36 for sleeves. Now just uses a 36 for everybody.

I imagine all surgeons will use the same size for all of their patients (possibly a different size for sleeve vs bypass)

'I think the size really isnt as important as people are making it out to be. Like having a bigger/smaller tube isnt going to determine how successful someone is

wonder what made him change size

11 hours ago, dreamingsmall said:

wonder what made him change size

I think an anesthesia almost accidentally used a 32 (for the bypass) on a sleeve (which is a 36). And if that would have happened it could cause leaks and be rather dangerous for the patient. So he standardized it to use the same size bougie for all patients and reduce the chances for a mistake.

Theres small stuff like that which happens ALL the time that transforms the way that your care is performed.