Has anyone asked what Bougie size was used for their sleeve ?

[cableworth 28]

I’m getting sleeved on March 7th, and am kinda curious if bougie size was discussed.

[Creekimp13 5,841]

Nope. The bougies they use range in size from the barrel of a fine point sharpie marker...to the barrel of a large fat sharpie marker. Not sure what the formula the surgeon uses to pick the right one for each patient...but there's usually some method to the madness. Could just be surgeon's preference. It's best for them to err on the larger size, since if there is a leak, they need tissue to work with to fix it.

[dreamingsmall 1,125]

I’m getting sleeved on March 7th, and am kinda curious if bougie size was discussed.

Mine said 32 which is the smallest he uses. But I don't think it really matters.

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[kakatlady612 1,053]

Size shouldn't matter as much as efficency. It is a tool for your future, I'm sure your surgeon made it a proper diameter and size, it's not their first rodeo, ya. know. Now it's up to you to use this gift and use it wisely. Best wishes now and for your future surgery.

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[DeletedAccount 45]

The size of the bougie does have an effect on how likely you are to maintain your weight loss in the long term. There isn't a big difference in weight loss early on (the first couple years) but in the long term, people who had a larger bougie (>44 Fr) had significantly more regain. Here's the research paper - if you skim down to "7. Weight loss results" they give the details.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1743919114000454

I asked my surgeon what size bougie he used. It was the smallest one (32, I think?). According to the research paper linked above, people had good long term results with sizes equal to or smaller than 36.

I would say, don't be afraid to ask. My surgeon was happy to discuss details with me and answer all my questions.

Good luck!

[logicwand 269]

My surgeon says he uses size 40 for ALL his patients. He said it was safer and if need be they can make adjustments. It remains to be seen whether I can maintain my weight loss, but I’m hopeful I will.

[cableworth 28]

Thank you for the responses. Very interesting. I’m hoping I can discuss this issue and would like to be on the smaller size 32f or 34f. From the research it looks like people with smaller bougie sizes had a slightly better outcome in the long run.