Ultimate Sleeve Question: Does Size Matter?

[DeterminedGirl 53]

Hello everyone,

What is the size of your new sleeve when they roll you out of surgery?

I'm reading a bunch of research that seems to indicate that size does not matter, but I figure that research is written by a bunch of naturally thin people who do not have a clue. I would like to hear from real people who have, or soon will have a sleeve. Did you get the 32? Is that too small? Is the 40 too big?

Here are my concerns: 1) it makes sense to me that the smaller the sleeve the faster the weight loss and 2) the less I will EVER have to worry about gaining one ounce back again.

I get it that the EWL numbers are pretty much even. I would dearly love to know how long EVENTUAL means--and how tough it is to MAINTAIN the loss for say, four decades.

As of today, I am not scared about the surgery, not about right after. But long after...now that one worries me. I want to give myself every chance to succeed. It just seems to me that the smaller the sleeve the happier this girl will be.

I'd love to hear your thoughts. I am still one very DeterminedGirl

[PdxMan 4,292]

Size does not matter. We're talking millimeters, here. From what I remember from my research, you don't want too small because it can become all twisted around. The difference between the smallest and the largest would most likely equate to one additional bite of something, which, isn't going to have all that much impact on your overall weight loss.

The secret to weight loss with the sleeve is sticking to the rules. Sleeve size is not going to change that.

* Added comment *

As far as long term, that depends on the individual. There are few long term studies on VSG. I know at 1 year out I still have excellent restriction. I had a size 36 bougie. But, I follow the rules pretty closely, too. I know the stretchy part of my stomach was removed, so my sleeve had pretty much stretched out to the largest it is going to. Yes, your sleeve is going to stretch, but the amount is inconsequential. Going from a 7 oz capacity to 9 oz. Something like that.

If you stick to the rules (only cheating occassionally) there is no reason why you shouldn't be able to maintain your goal weight for decades. Push the limits, don't follow the rules, eat cr@p ... in other words, do all the things that got us to this point to begin with ... and your results will vary.

The sleeve is a tool, not a solution.

[O.T.R. sleever 3,386]

What PDXMan said

I would also like to add that there is a difference in surgeons also while some may use a smaller bougie and staple/ sew loosely around it. Others may use a larger size and staple/ sew tightly around, thus creating the same size sleeve. so really no matter how one might question the size of their sleeve, you are never quite sure what you really have. The good news is your results are much more dependent on you than your sleeve size, or even which surgeon you choose.