VSG Bougie size

How did you know/decide what size your surgeon would use? Did you have a choice or was it the surgeons decision? Because I am leaning towards going to Mexico, anyone who went there, please tell me about this part of the surgery. From reading a lot of threads on here, the last thing I want is to go through this whole process only to have the wrong size for me and not lose suffuciently or have it be too small..thanks!

Hi Madelaine 

I don't think you have a choice what size they use.  I presume each surgeon has a standard size that they use for everyone.  Mine was a 32 French bougie.  (I have a copy of my operative report.)  I know I've read somewhere that a larger size used to be used in the past and they found patients didn't have enough restriction in what they could eat, so they moved to a smaller size.  I just did a quick search on Google and that seems to be a standard size for all surgeons.  http://www.sleeveguide.com/ 

Wow, a 32 French is less than half an inch!

Thanks Dianne..great info. If I can convince hubby and spend this kind of money, there will be no chance of a do-over so I definitely need to get it right the first time, lol! How are you doing by the way..are you happy so far?

I'm feeling the same as I always have in general.  My stomach is getting better every day (lots of odd feelings when drinking/eating to begin with).  I have lost only about 3 lb this week (my third week since surgery), but I also have not been walking as I should be.  The treadmill is getting un-mothballed today!! I go back to work tomorrow, so I will have more structure to my days.  I tend to be a slug at the best of times. 

All in all, yes, I'm happy so far.  

Here is a pic showing the differences in size, not that drastic. The bougie is just a guide, it all depends on how tight they pull your stomach around it and if they oversew the staples afterwards as well. A few years ago they used 50fr and found that it wasnt as effective for weight loss. Most Mexican Dr's use 32-36fr bougies. I personally wouldn't want anything smaller than a 34, because the smaller your tummy is the possiblity of a stricture rises, also it rises if you have had other WLS(like the band) A stricture is scar tissue that causes the opening in the stomach to narrow..not fun. It can also happen with other WLS too. It is NOT VERY COMMON!! Best way to avoid is to follow the eating plan VERY CLOSELY and to not push solid food too quickly. Hope this helps :)

I received a size 40 and have lost over 100 lbs in a year!!  Surgery done by Dr. Andrew in Winnipeg.

Dense food always feels tight going down, but there is also slider foods(soft, liquids)that go down the pipe way to easy!!

So its not necessarily the size on its own..its the suturing as well. Okay something to remember for my doctor questions. Thanks all