46 Bougie Size - Need opinions - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

Stimpy911 · 05-19-2009, 06:22 AM

I am getting closer to a surgery date with Dr. English at MGH in Marquette, Michigan. This Wednesday is my physical with the doctor. I just found out that they use a size 46 bougie. I think they use this size so that they can perform a second operation to a DS or RNY if needed.

I want to ask the doctor why they don't use a smaller size. I would be happy with a 36 or a low 40 size bougie. I am just afraid about maintaining weight loss with a size 46. My plan is to do well enough with the Sleeve so that I don't have to have the second part of the operation done.

I am 6*3 tall, 430 pounds with a BMI of 55.

What do you all think?

Mz_Desz · 05-19-2009, 06:47 AM

I don't know much about that surgery, but what I do know is that this is indeed your body. If you have questions about any part of this surgery then you need to ask. Period. You have to feel at ease with the decision you have made for you. So never hesitate to question anything. My surgeon put that out there for me at our 1st meeting. He wanted me to question anything & everything I felt I needed to. You do the same and make sure you are satisfied with the answer given.

Time4me · 05-19-2009, 09:13 AM

I had the sleeve but I'm not sure what size they used on me.

I can check and see tho

Time4me · 05-20-2009, 10:17 AM

I emailed my support group leader with my question. She is actually a RN and has been in to observe several WLS.

this is what she had to say about the sleeve which I had done. She watched my doctor do it so this would be what I had done.

"I'm not sure what size it was that he used. I only know that he had the Anestiagolist advance a tube down into the stomach and he used that as a guide. He stapled up tightly against the tube. With the sleeve and duodenal switch he did the same thing but didn't staple it as tight. He said he makes their sleeves larger because with all the malabsorption a DS has they need to be able to eat a larger amount of food.

If the tube was an NG it would more than likely have been a 16Fr. which is about as big as your little finger."

My sleeve is so little they have talked about dialating it. No thanks! I'd rather eat to little than to much!

LisaJo · 05-20-2009, 10:50 AM

Hi, Im a patient of Dr English and am 6 weeks out. He is a fantastic surgeon and always open to questions....so if you have one I would not hesitate to call and ask. There was a couple times presurgery I emailed questions,,,you will find the addresses in your WLS "bible". I got answers very quickly.
I couldnt be more pleased than i am with the treatment I received at MGH , they will treat you well! Best of Luck!

Stimpy911 · 05-21-2009, 01:42 PM

Thanks Everyone!

MiladyB · 05-27-2009, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Time4me

I emailed my support group leader with my question. She is actually a RN and has been in to observe several WLS.

this is what she had to say about the sleeve which I had done. She watched my doctor do it so this would be what I had done.

"I'm not sure what size it was that he used. I only know that he had the Anestiagolist advance a tube down into the stomach and he used that as a guide. He stapled up tightly against the tube. With the sleeve and duodenal switch he did the same thing but didn't staple it as tight. He said he makes their sleeves larger because with all the malabsorption a DS has they need to be able to eat a larger amount of food.

If the tube was an NG it would more than likely have been a 16Fr. which is about as big as your little finger."

My sleeve is so little they have talked about dialating it. No thanks! I'd rather eat to little than to much!

Vicki, since I didn't know what size I went to Todd with the question. He states that Dr Foote uses a 34Fr bougie. So ya, his sleeves are really TIGHT! When I saw him do the sleeve for the switch he used the same size but didn't pull it as tight. He explained that he wants switch patients to be able to eat more. They have such significant malabsorption so they need more calories than even the RNY patients. If your sleeve is too tight you will struggle with getting in those calories and could end up malnourished.