Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Recommended Posts

Can anyone shed light on the difference between the two sleeve sizes? Is 32 better because it's smaller and will be more restrictive longer? Or is the restriction negligible? Is the 34 THAT much safer?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Apparently there is not much of a difference at all. In the "olden" days they used to use 42fr bougie or larger, now I think a 34-38 is considered the norm...in Australia anyway. There was some talk a while ago (years) that the larger bougies were safer, but very little of that around now. Some doctors use a larger bougie and then oversew, which makes it marginally smaller, but seriously there is not a hell of a lot of difference. There is a picture doing the rounds on the web of textas and pens lined up, representing bougie sizes and its a little hard to tell the difference between them.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I haven't seen the picture of the bougies (Google, here I come), but that's 32 millimeters versus 34 millimeters. That's about the size of a set of quotation marks. " I doubt that is going to make a huge difference in the amount of restriction we feel. I think mine is a 34, but it's been so long since I asked my surgeon that question that I don't remember for sure. I know I am still only capable of eating about a cup of food, and that's when it's chewed well and eaten slowly. What actually turns out to make more of a difference in capacity is how LONG your stomach is apparently. Usually taller people have a longer sleeve and that may give them an extra 1/3 of a cup of capacity versus shorter people. That's still not much food and we're supposed to under-eat our sleeve anyway.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Dr Alvarez has some videos on Youtube that address this you should check them out!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The difference between a 32 and a 34 is almost certainly not going to make any difference in your long-term success.

If you pick a surgeon that you trust and that has good stats, trust that whatever size bougie he or she uses is the size that works best in his or her experience. There are other variables that go into what the ultimate size of your sleeve will be - like if the surgeon "overstiches" or not... and maybe even more significantly, what the length of your natural stomach is (along the lesser curvature).

A 32 or 34... or even a 36 or 42... will give you good restriction and you will lose weight! It's great that you are thinking about these things, though, and researching them. Lots of research seems to be the mark of a successful sleever! :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Capacity wise - not much difference. In terms of success stats (loss) - virtually no difference.

The main difference is in stricture rates. 32 has a significantly higher risk (I'm forgetting the exact number, but it's noticeably higher) than the 34. My surgeon won't even do a 32 (lots of patients come in requesting it) because of the stricture risk. He does most at 34, sometimes larger.

It's really just a guideline, though. The chance of two stomachs cut on a 32 having the exact same capacity in, say, ccs -- probably not even measurable.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Capacity wise - not much difference. In terms of success stats (loss) - virtually no difference.

The main difference is in stricture rates. 32 has a significantly higher risk (I'm forgetting the exact number, but it's noticeably higher) than the 34. My surgeon won't even do a 32 (lots of patients come in requesting it) because of the stricture risk. He does most at 34, sometimes larger.

It's really just a guideline, though. The chance of two stomachs cut on a 32 having the exact same capacity in, say, ccs -- probably not even measurable.

What is a stricture risk?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

What is a stricture risk?

Short and sweet - your risk of developing a stricture. :) Leaks and stricture are our two most common complications. A stricture is when the opening from the stomach to the pylorus closes/narrows due to growth of scar tissue. Your stomach basically developes a clogged pipe and you aren't able to get anything through, and it backs up on you. Resolved by dialating the structure.

Strictures are about half as common as leaks, if that much.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • rlcpd

      Two months out from hiatal hernia repair.  Surgeon said to expect a lot more flatulence...something about the 'air' no longer being able to 'burp' out so comes out the other end.  That is my experience but have no understanding of why that swallowed air cannot be 'burped'. ???
      · 1 reply
      1. BlondePatriotInCDA

        As I understand it since your stomach is smaller and not completely resting against your diaphragm anymore you no longer have the ability to "push" burps out as well. Plus, since its smaller and we don't digest slower the trapped air moves a lot quicker out of the stomach so its no longer available to burp out. Hence the other option for removal.

    • Lizette1122

      Anyone had the TORe procedure? How did it go? How much weight did you loose? 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LadyVeteran1

      Sleeve surgery is on April 14th.  I am counting the days!!  Can't wait!
      · 3 replies
      1. Brookie2shoes

        Me too girl!! Are you in the full liquid diet right now? It’s sooooo hard!

      2. LadyVeteran1

        Not yet. I was told I only have to do 24 hours of a liquid diet. But I have my pre-op tomorrow so I’m going to confirm if I need to do longer.

      3. buildabetteranna

        Your so close now! It's gonna be great :) Wishing you a speedy recovery and looking forward to seeing how it goes!

    • buildabetteranna

      Down 33 lbs and slightly stalled, but I'm gonna reevaluate and push through. I started back to work last week after 2 years of being disabled due to mental health as well as my weight. It's a great job and I'm just so happy to have this opportunity at a second chance at life. Hope everyone is having their best journey ❤️ Together, we got this!
      · 2 replies
      1. DaisyChainOz

        Great work Anna! Keep it up 😁

      2. buildabetteranna

        Thank you ❤️

    • Bashbee91

      Hey guys new to the process looking forward to this new life. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×