what size bougie, and amt loss you have

[Tiffykins 673]

See what makes me question this is because during the 'seminar' (approx 60 ppl there) I raised my hand and asked what size bougie. Dr. answered 40, not 'well it depends on the patient', that raised some flags (Dr. usually does DS), then when I see ppl on here actually talking to their dr about their sizes-more flags raised. Then when I again asked dr in the consultation she said she does everyone a 40. I understand its a tool and up to me/choices/lifestyle changes. But what is also up to me is learning everything i possibly can before surgery so there's no regrets. I want to be as informed as i can to make decision, why I'm asking all these questions from everyone here, which I appreciate so much. You guys have been so helpful and like a backbone of faith.

I agree that you have to research as much as possible, but in all honesty, the difference between a 32 and 40 is so minimal.

What I mean by "depends on the patient" is strictly about each individual patient's anatomy. Taller patients may have a longer stomach, shorter patients may have a shorter stomach, meaning a lot more goes into determining actual sleeve capacity than just the boughie size.

I have a 32fr size stomach, and even more of the top part of my stomach had to be removed due to a leak. My surgeon said mine is one of the shortest sleeves he's ever had to make. I still have amazing restriction, but I know that I can eat more of certain foods than some other patients on this board that have bigger sleeves. It's how my body tolerates food, it's how well I chew, it's that I take my time when eating, and take small bites.

My point is that the boughie size is not going to determine your overall success. It's a tiny part of the equation. I also agree with the others out here that have stated they have a bigger sleeve have experienced no nausea, no dehydration issues. I had horrific nausea and had to be put on Zofran (which is a drug they give chemo patients for nausea) for quite some time. I had already been on phenegran and reglan.

[tennessee1031 0]

My doctor said he uses 38 on everyone. He said he has found less nausea and less overall problems using a 38 I guess he used to use smaller I'm assuming. At first I thought I felt hunder pangs which turned out to be stomach acid. Now I take prilosec and I am NEVER hungry. I have to remind myself to eat. My gherlin went in the trash for sure!

[tennessee1031 0]

I forgot to say that I'm 16 days post op and have lost 17 lbs with zero nausea:)

[determined1 3]

thanks everyone for your insight.

[johan22 0]

my doctor use french 36 on everyone.

[Time-for-me! 0]

My Dr uses a 32... I'm down 40 lbs since Jan 11th... it's working for me!

[coco517117 0]

Dr. Alvarez used a 40-bougie on me with an oversew. My starting weight was 190 with issues of hypothyroid and tendonosis. My goal is to keep and maintain 65 lbs off. I'm 2 weeks out and have had no drama. Everything goes down without painful restriction and reflux - I feel the pressure to stop eating after a few ounces and have lost 15 lbs in 2 weeks. Hope this helps :001_tongue:

Edited March 2, 2010 by coco517117

[Lee 19]

I too have a 40f. I didn't suffer with nausea post-op and was getting in 20 oz of fluids on day 2. By day 5 I was up to 64 oz of Water and herbal tea. I can drink 16 oz of warm tea in just a few minutes. Everything goes down easily. I get full quickly on dense foods like yogurt. Tomorrow is my two week mark and I'm down 13 pounds. I love my 40f!