Does Bougie Size really matter?

My friend's Mom who just lost 100 lbs with the VSG tells me that Bougie size means a lot, and only go to a doctor who does 34 (or maybe 32).  My surgeon normally does 36, but for me he will do 34 since I asked.

Please share your thoughts on Bougie size.  Does it really matter? 

 

Yes I'm going for surgery in 13 days.  and would love to know.

Howdy neighbor!!  You are right down 17 from me!  Best of luck with your surgery!

Mine will only do the 34.  I asked for smaller and no go that is what they use (for safety) whatever that means.  It really isn't all that exact anyway.  If a surgeon uses a 32 and works really lose you end up with a 34.  If another uses a 36 and keeps it really tight you could end up with the same as 34.  The difference from 32 to 38 isn't much and are the norms.  The technique of the surgeon makes the biggest difference.  Also how far up from the pyloric valve that the start also makes a big difference on the volume you are left with.

Yes, this is what my surgeon said as well....he said that a surgeon's technique can make all the difference....so a 36 Bougie could be tighter than a 32, just like you state.  I hope this means my surgeon is really excellent!!!!!!

The smaller the size the higher the rate of leaks. I jus****ched a video tonight from Dr. Alverez talking about bougie size and stretching. The larger the stomach you are left with the more likely you are to stretch. HOWEVER, what's more important is the surgeons technique and that they get as much of the fundus as possible since that is the stretchiest part of the stomach.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y28SzDj7rkk

I don't even know what size my surgeon used.  He did however, link me a video of his surgery on U tube.  Pretty cool.  I watched it the day or two after surgery.  DH couldn't stomach it, but I thought it was very interesting, and informative.  You can search it if you've never seen it.  He describes it step by step.  Dr Curry is the doc. 

Interesting video!  I have watched several, some not even in English.  This is the first one I have seen were they do a first cut/staple with out the bougie inserted.  I wish I could speak with your surgeon to find out why he does.

I don't know if I just nuts but, I like to know as much as I can about anything I get into.

Dr Curry uses a 36.

 

Jennifer

Thanks Jen!!  Hey, any chance you might know of a therapist in our area specializing in WLS??