Bougie Size- disappointed

[hanginthere 2]

I had my VSG done Feb. 3rd. Im about 4 weeks out and have only lost 10pds. during post op. I started at 259 on surgery date. Im a little discouraged because my surgeon used a size 40 bougie and during my 2week dr.appt., I asked the Dr. about what percent of my stomach did he remove and he said about 60%. I dont even think he cut close to the bougie for a slimmer sleeve. But there medical practice advertise cutting out at least 80 to 85%. Do you think this has something to do with my slow to no weight loss by him only cutting out 60% and not at least 80%. Yes, I could only drink liquids during the 1st week but at the 2nd week, I was eating reg. foods like salmon, hamburger, etc. Granted I can only eat but so much of it but still, shouldn't eating that type of food at 2weeks out make me sick or something. I think my surgeon made my sleeve too big and I'm worried that I won't loose the weight. The nurse said its the discretion of the surgeon as to how much stomach to remove depending on your weight, age, etc. Im eating full bags of microwave popcorn and cheetos but I also eat some healthy foods too. None of these foods bother me. I admit that Im not exercising like I perhaps should but regardless of what I'm eating, because I cant eat but so much, shouldn't I still be seeing some weight loss. Im scared that I went through this VSG surgery for nothing and in 6mths. I will be the same size if not bigger. Please help and tell me that I will still lose weight having gone thru this VSG surgery even though my Dr. only removed 60% and I pray that the fundus was also removed. Atleast he told me he would remove it. I dont know, I've been depressed and disappointed every since my VSG surgery. Maybe I'm just not patient enough.

[hanginthere 2]

If I dont see a better weight loss in approx. 3mths., I will consider having revision surgery by another surgeon and I will let everyone know my surgeon's name and location so your surgery won't be a waste as well. This is something you would want done right the first time. I can tell you that I'm in the Carolinas. But I'm going to cut out eating the slider foods, eat healthy and try to workout more to see if I loose some more. Ill keep you posted. Thanks.

[finediva 979]

Cheetos? This may not be the best choice right now, 60 % stomach removal or not. Best on this journey.

[Babbs 14,681]

Whole bag of Cheetos and popcorn? No, you won't lose as much weight as you should be. Has nothing to do with bougie size or how much stomach he took out. Sorry.

[Wendyfm 494]

What and how much you eat is as important if nor more important than how much stomach your doctor removed. I lost thirty pounds before my surgery by following the same diet I am now. I have lost 50 pounds after surgery as well for a total of 82 pounds. Be patient, follow, the diet you'll lose weight. Oh and exercise it helps.

[Wendyfm 494]

I just re read your post. You shouldn't even be eating solid foods yet or just starting on them. You could really damage yourself! Be careful. And ten pounds in a month is good.

[MichiganChic 3,262]

Losing 10 pounds in a month is reasonable, but you might be able to lose more if decrease your intake. The size of your stomach has nothing to do with your food choices. I learned early on that just because I can eat more than the recommended half cup doesn't mean I should. The surgery will never control your choices, only you can do that.

My advice is to learn what you should be eating at two weeks out, and do that, both in terms of quantity and types of foods. Learn about sliders. Don't graze. Don't drink with meals. Learn the rules and follow them. If you can't do that, I don't think removing more of your stomach will help.

I think given what you say you are eating, there's no real way to know if the size of your sleeve is the problem, or even if there is a problem. It's not the removal of your stomach that results in weight loss, it's the decreased calorie intake that results in weight loss. We can all eat around our sleeves if we choose to.

[YourFriendJess 34]

At 4 weeks post op, I was allowed pureed foods. You should be eating Protein rich foods first. My faves are cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and refried Beans with cheese. Do you see a nutritionist?

You should have been given a post op food plan. Follow that. Cheetos and popcorn are not good choices at this stage in your post op plan.

Begin exercising as you are able. Make sure you are getting in at least 60 oz of fluids and 60 g of Protein. The weight will come off.

Best of luck,

Jessica

[freddie8_8 37]

I have been reading that a bougie of 32 to 34 is optimal:

[LipstickLady 25,682]

I had my VSG done Feb. 3rd. Im about 4 weeks out and have only lost 10pds. during post op. I started at 259 on surgery date. Im a little discouraged because my surgeon used a size 40 bougie and during my 2week dr.appt., I asked the Dr. about what percent of my stomach did he remove and he said about 60%. I dont even think he cut close to the bougie for a slimmer sleeve. But there medical practice advertise cutting out at least 80 to 85%. Do you think this has something to do with my slow to no weight loss by him only cutting out 60% and not at least 80%. Yes, I could only drink liquids during the 1st week but at the 2nd week, I was eating reg. foods like salmon, hamburger, etc. Granted I can only eat but so much of it but still, shouldn't eating that type of food at 2weeks out make me sick or something. I think my surgeon made my sleeve too big and I'm worried that I won't loose the weight. The nurse said its the discretion of the surgeon as to how much stomach to remove depending on your weight, age, etc. Im eating full bags of microwave popcorn and cheetos but I also eat some healthy foods too. None of these foods bother me. I admit that Im not exercising like I perhaps should but regardless of what I'm eating, because I cant eat but so much, shouldn't I still be seeing some weight loss. Im scared that I went through this VSG surgery for nothing and in 6mths. I will be the same size if not bigger. Please help and tell me that I will still lose weight having gone thru this VSG surgery even though my Dr. only removed 60% and I pray that the fundus was also removed. Atleast he told me he would remove it. I dont know, I've been depressed and disappointed every since my VSG surgery. Maybe I'm just not patient enough.

So.... You had surgery less than a month ago and you are already eating popcorn (with hulls) and cheetos? Full bags, too! You aren't exercising either?

You're upset with the surgeon. Really? And you think he's the problem with your slower rate of weight loss because of how much stomach you think he cut out. Interesting.

I honestly don't think there is anything that anyone here can tell you until you decide to really think about your own behaviors and how they are affecting your weight loss journey. It's glaringly apparent to me what's going on here and I daresay I can guess how much you are (or are not) going to lose unless you take some accountability for yourself.

That's just me, though.