Freaking out! (Bougie size question)

So my surgery is less than two days away and I've just been trying to read up on everything again...
I've been reading a lot about bougie sizes and hearing different things. When I went to my pre-op appointment the nurse told me that Dr. Ikramuddin uses a 60F bougie! At the time I didn't really think anything of it, but now reading up on the forums it seems like that's almost TWICE the normal size used! Plus I read that higher than 40F has been found to have significant regain within 3-5 years. 

I really wanna be successful. I know it really depends on MY habits and knowing when to stop, but I really want the best possible sleeve I can get. :( 

Am I just freaking out or should I push for at least a 38-40 bougie? 

60 is too big.  They started using the smaller sizes because of regain with the larger sizes.  Call your doc and confirm not just the bougie size, but ask what he expects your capacity to be after surgery.  I think I'd have to re-think using this surgeon if he really uses a 60.

"I" personally would not get a 60 sleeve. That sounds like the size the DS patients get. You have to remember that your capacity will increase around a year out.

That was just what I was thinking!

I would never go to anyone who did higher than 34F.  And the surgeon's techniques would need to be so they pull the sleeve very tight. Don't waste your surgery!!!

I would ask him about it. If he also does DS, the nurse might just be confused.

However, if he says "oh yeah, I only do 60f sleeves", then find someone else. Do not push him to alter his surgical technique. That's like hiring a rock band for your wedding and then telling them to play jazz. If you want a rock band (smaller sleeve) hire a rock band (surgeon who does it that way).

Some surgeons refuse to make the sleeve smaller because they think the opening to the stomach should be as big as the opening to the esophagus. They also think the sleeve is a sucky WLS because it doesn't give very good results. Imagine that. 

34fr with good restriction 1 year out

I would also call and confirm. If you have confirmed, I would not ask him to use another size. It would be asking him to modify his technique and that could lead to issues.  

If it were me and he does do the LARGE sleeve, I would find a new surgeon.  Even if it means waiting a little longer to have the surgery. 

Good Luck!

 

 

 

I agree with what everyone else has said but also, please let us know what he's says.  Is it the nurses error or is her really doing 60f sleeves.  Good luck!

Even for those of us with "large" sleeves, a 60f is too big. It does sound like a DS size bougie rather than a VSG.