Big Sleeve vs. Small Sleeve

[kondasa 28]

I have been reading different forums and I have seens two references to a big sleeve vs. a small sleeve--meaning some doctors leave a larger sleeve and for others it is smaller.

My doctor and I never discussed this so I think he will just do a standard sleeve/his choice, but I wanted to see if this was a discussion point for others or if you were told before/after that you were getting a bigger or smaller sleeve.

My surgery is currently scheduled for March 15.

[Proud2BMe 1,016]

Sleeves are "sized" by using what is called a bougie which comes in different sizes.

Most doctors shy away from using a smaller bougie because they are associated with greater risks of complications.

[JamieLogical 8,710]

There is a lot of research that indicates that long-term, the size of the bougie used is irrelevant. A bigger or smaller bougie will not produce much of a difference in overall weight loss or maintenance, but small bougies have been shown to increase the risks of stricture and other complications. You have to understand that the differences in bougie size are a matter of millimeters and the bougie is just a "guide" for the surgeon. The may staple your stomach very close to the bougie or with a little more slack, so even the bougie size isn't necessarily a strong indicator of how large you stomach will actually be in the end. Here's a nice visual reference so you can see how little difference there actually is in bougie size.

[kondasa 28]

Wow! Lots of good information. Thanks!

[jembell01 129]

When my dr came in prior to my operation, I said, "Make it small Doc"! He said he made it as small as he could, but I'm sure he was just messing with me.....but maybe not. I assumed it's based on your anatomy and what can and can't be done while they are in there operating. I could be wrong and maybe he did make it as small as he could