Tighter Sleeve

[Tiff 93]

When one doctor uses the same size bougie as another doctor, could there be a difference in our long term results based on their skills, etc essentially making a tighter sleeve? I'm obsessing over the difference in the top two drs I was torn between. I noticed overall that patients with my weight, lost more weight faster than the patients of the other dr. I finally chose one and scheduled surgery. I know everyone loses differently as well. Just wondering.

[MichiganChic 3,262]

The difference of a couple of millimeters you might see from technique, or even bougie size, is pretty much not going to impact weight loss. I think there are many other factors to consider. If one physician has better weight loss outcomes and is using the same size, I think it probably has more to do with how they manage their patients in general. Consider the support groups, what type of support you get from the nurse/dietitian/physician and others in the office, and what the preparation and follow up consists of. We know that no two physicians practice the same, and while there are general rules and best practices patients should follow, each patient is unique, too. I also wonder where you got your statistics from, and how they are gathered. Having said that, if I had my choice of two top physicians, I would choose the one with the best outcomes, though I would look at post op complications first, then long term weight loss. Congrats on moving forward!

[Tiff 93]

Thanks Michigan, I definitely do not have any actual statistics, just based on my browsing and looking at patient stats. I did not consider the after care either which is very important! I think I found a great dr with a great support group, I guess second guessing myself is just in my nature. I feel good knowing the actual sleeve difference wouldn't be significant.

[sophiepants 489]

I was agree with Michigan. I was sleeved a 40 bogie. I asked 2 weeks after.. lol

[feedyoureye 3,087]

The bougie is just a guide. The size of the sleeve can be different for other reasons as well, how long your stomach is, how tight the stomach is pulled in to the bougie... My surgeon mad the bottom half a little bit wider than the top... that is normal and helps keep complications down. Let your surgeon do his/her job, with good previous results, Im sure you will do great!... larger bougies tend to get less reflux and eating problems... (not giant, just 36-40)