Bougie size and results: Doc gave me a 36 French and I'm a bit concerned

Just wondering what your bougie size was and what type of results you are getting from it.  I just received a copy of my surgical report and I noticed that my Surgeon used a 36 French Bougie .... I was really hoping for a 32 ... Yes I have seen the diagram with the pens that show the minimal difference between bougie sizes but I have also read some reports that show much more favorably with a 32. I wont lie I am a bit concerned .... just wondering what your experiences are. 

My surgeon used a 36f bougie.  I lost most of my excess weight so far & still have great restriction.  I wouldn't be too concerned but that's just me.  I'm happy with my sleeve!

Hi,

I just had my surgery last wednesday.  My bougie is a 40.  The way I see it this size 40 bougie allows me to eat considerably less than I was before.  I have to remember this is not a magic bullet I will have to work at this and "change" my eating habits.  I will have to work each and every day to change bad eating habits that have taken me 47 years to evolve into.  This is my "tool" and if I have a 40 instead of a 32 it just means that it may take me slightly longer to reach my goal but if I follow the rules and do what I'm supposed to do the weight will come off the same way a 32 bougie would.  You will do great just like the rest of us give yourself some credit and believe that you will do just fine.

Kim

What you are really concerned about is the size of your stomach.  The truth is that there is much more involved in this than just he bougie size.  Yes, it is one factor and it is important, but there are many other issues.  For example, the length of your stomach, how close the doctor cut/stapled to the gougie,  how close he cut at the top and the bottom of the fundus.  As you can see, there are many issues involved in how small your stomach will turn out.  You will not really know what your capacity is like for about 8 months to a year.  Meanwhile, concentrate on following the best plan you can to get to goal.  Maximize your "honeymoon" period where it almost doesn't really matter what size you have as your stomach is still healing and take control of all aspects of this that are in your hands.

My surgeon used a 36F and I also read a long term study/report that stated that the difference between the 32F and a 40F or greater has such small differences that it wasn't even noticable. 

Hugs,

Rita

You guys are awesome! I needed to hear these responses! Yes I have every intention of following the rules and fought really hard for this VSG as in Ontario the RN&Y is the golden standard and the surgery they push you into! I will make this work! I have already lost 40Lbs since my pre op appt on Nov 6th so I'm off to a good start.  I guess like a lot of people I have my moments where fear of failure haunts me .... Thank you so much! 

Wow 40 pounds in less than a month,  that's beyond awesome!

 

Wow! You lost 40 pounds in less than a month!! That's a record! You should be confident that your sleeve no matter the size is really working! 

I lost 24 Lbs during my 2 week pre op diet and I know I was PMS ing at my preop appt because I started my period the day of surgery so I'm sure 10 Lbs was water weight but I will still take it ... I haven't lost anything during the last 5 days though ... so I guess that's where my insecurity crept in ... I know it doesn't happen over night ... 

If you want to believe that sleeve size and eventual capacity dosent much matter based on the pen and bougie photos that get posted every so often.........and think the sizes are minuscule.....



Ask yourself this...... Why can one person eat between 2-4oz. and another can eat over 12oz. ?????? That's more than just a minuscule difference !!!



WL can be done with just about any size sleeve...... maintaining for long term is the real challenge and where preserved smaller capacity really helps......



**** Many here that have had larger sleeves have done just fine. But you will notice that they are pretty compliant. Another thing to know is that most that have not done well..... Are not here anymore... If your looking for an accurate sampling.

Also.... A smaller sleeve does not mean automatic success.... Small sleeves can have less than stellar results also.

It really does come down to commitment and compliance..... It only makes sense that someone who can eat more will have a harder time......



100 calories a day in excess equals about 10lbs. a year.

frisco