Bougie size

"Many successful sleevers practice not eating until you are full. You should strive to eat until you are satisfied."

This. 

Remember, just because you CAN (eat more) does not mean you HAVE TO.

Just because you CAN, does not mean you OUGHT TO.

You will find your restriction will depend a lot on WHAT it is you are eating.  I am satisfied with 2.5 to 3 ounces of dense protein (meat).  I *could* probably eat 4ish.

Just because I can, does not mean I have to.

I could also eat basket fulls of tortilla chips at a sitting.

Just because I CAN does not mean I OUGHT TO..

See what I mean, jellybean?

Good luck!  Buckle up for the ride!  its got twists and turns.

i have a 38 and my dr said the difference is millimeters and doesnt affect weight loss or maintenance longterm

I have a 40 and I'm a slower loser, but I think that may have more to do with being 60 and having a tanked metabolism.  That said, I'm confident I will get to my goal by eating protein first, exercise, good vitamin routine and lots of fluids.  I think in the end it's what we do with our Sleeve, not so much about the size.

Mine is a 32 and I have to reeeaally work to get in all my liquids.  Restriction is obvious and it's going to take a few months for me to get used to eating 3-4oz at a meal.  VSG surgery FORCES you to eat the way you're supposed to.  Even though I dislike the restricted feeling every time I eat, I would never go back to the way it was before.  I feel healthier now that I weigh 40 pounds less.  Good luck to you

Melanie

I had my VSG yesterday. My surgeon used a 38, too. I'm glad to read there are others out there with the same size. I'm 24 hours post-op and feeling fine.

 I'm a Kaiser patient and from what I know they have a standard practice of using a 40. I have my surgery next week 3/22/11. Any Kaiser patients have anything different?

 I am in the 40's and loosly sewn with a 6'2'' frame to allow for a longer stomach.  I am 7 months out and have for sure increased capacity, but still have great restriction.  Perhaps I will gain a little more capacity, but that would be just fine.  Thing is, I am skilled at overeating.  I can easily eat around my big sleeve, but I could also easily eat around a tiny sleeve.  Thus, it really is just up to me and not dependent on my sleeve size.  

Just to let you know, I am now almost 4 months out from surgery, and I still cannot even eat 3 ounces of dense protein!! So it is NOT so much the bougie size itself, but how the surgeon uses it. If he stretches it tight, versus loose....oversews, etc.

I'm very impressed. I'm losing at an amazing rate. I'm about 75% of the way there!