Revision surgery with low BMI

[lovely momma 28]

I had the lapband removed in Sept. I am going to get the sleeve. I have talked with 2 surgeons . One uses a 36 bougie and the other uses a 32 bougie and over sews. I am concerned about the differences. Does anyone have an opinion on this? As far as weightloss, will it be harder with a 36 bougie. I have about 50 pounds to lose. Not sure what to do.

[livelyterry 55]

I am a revision too. (I am having my sleeve done In January) My doc uses a 32 FR. Maybe you've seen his video. Hopefully it will help , but it sounds like you already know this info… I would be a little concerned being a revision from band and having a 36 Fr bougie, but that's just me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3G4dSmJUro

[ribearty 544]

I am a band to sleeve revision also. I had my band removed and the sleeve performed on 10/25/13. My doctor uses a 32 French. There isn't that much difference between the two sizes. Did you ask the doctors why they use the size they use? One french is equal to 1/3 mm. A 32 french is 10.7 mm or 0.419 inches.

Some people have longer stomachs than others. Here is a you tube from Dr. Alvarez where he explains about the bougie.

Good luck to both of you with your upcoming surgery.

[girliegirl 49]

i noticed this doctor seemed to stitch over the staple line. seems like a pod idea. i wonder how many doctors do that as well.

[livelyterry 55]

Dr. Alvarez addressed this question on stitching over the staple line in his week podcast. He explains why he does it here...

Obviously I'm a huge fan of his…lol

http://guillermoalvarez.podomatic.com/entry/2013-12-03T08_55_28-08_00

[marfar7 1,533]

My dr also double stitches, lowering the rate of leaks. He uses a 34 bougie. I think thats a happy medium. Not sure there's much of a difference when it comes to real life. 32/34/36. It may mean the difference between being able to take 5 bites vs 6.

You mentioned a low bmi with revision. My bmi 5 mths ago when revised was 28. I had 40 lbs to lose (now I have about 18). U can have a totally normal bmi and still be revised. As long as ur have a history of obesity, they realize that if u have no tool inside, ur likely to gain back all that was lost.

Good luck!