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Size of Pouch/Bougie



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Hi all

I have been doing a bunch of research on the subject lately and had

a question.

The VSG started out as a part one of a two part surgery, the duodenal Switch.

Since then has become a stand alone procedure.

I was wondering, are they creating the Bougie's smaller if they

expect that the patient will only likely need the VSG?

What is the standard size of the pouch at this point? I would assume

its created smaller?

Thank you,

Lisa

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Yes, they are creating the stomach smaller than they were years ago with the DS. Even some DS surgeons have gone to making the sleeve smaller.

The most common size of bougie is 32fr, 34fr, 36fr, and 40fr. There is minimal difference in size for these bougies. The measurable difference between a 32fr and 40fr is a mere 2.3cm in diameter.

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I have a 32fr bougie. Also, you have to remember, every person's anatomy is different. My stomach maybe longer than yours or vice versa. So, the bougie size is only a small part of the equation when it comes to sleeve capacity. I can eat more than some patients with a 36fr bougie, but there's so many factors that can contribute to each person's sleeve capacity.

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I was shocked as how small the new sleeved stomach is. The 36fr actually measured 1.12cm in diameter. when I saw that on my leak radiology I could not believe. I was expecting a small banana but that is no larger than the s=diameter of a jelly bean. Scary... very scary...

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My Surgeon uses a 36 fr bougie, I was afraid that it was too big, but when I've seen the diameter of my stomach I was amazed at how tiny it actually is!

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In 1978 Douglas S. Hess, M.D., perfected the biliopancreatic diversion with the duodenal switch (BPD/DS) procedure at Wood County Hospital.

This is the hospital where my surgery was performed. Dr. Hess was also a farmer and practiced his surgeries on some of his farm animals before using on humans. The sleeve that Dr. Hess used was quite a bit larger than what Dr. Lalor uses for the sleeve.

I personally know 3 of Dr. Hess' patients. He is no longer practicing. They all have had alot of complications with malabsorbtion. Dr. Lalor has reversed some of his surgeries. At Januray's meeting a BPD/DS patient stood up and spoke. He is now having a problem keeping weight on. These patients' stomachs can hold alot more than what mine will be able to hold. One patient told me that's the reason she chose the BPD/DS. When these gal use the restroom it clears out the whole breakroom and people in the offices run out to open windows and doors. I feel so sorry for them!

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My surgeon aims to give you a capacity between 125cc and 150cc. this has worked for me.

Jane x

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