New Sleever

[PrettyLady]

Hello everyone!
My name is Sherry and I am new here. I hope I can find the strength that I need to succeed. Ten years ago, I had the lap band and only lost 10 pounds -so needless to say I felt like a failure. I am so afraid that this might not work. The surgery went well, but I am not happy with the size of the instrument that is used to as a guide to give you a new stomach. My doctor said he chose the size for me for various reasons and I was ok with it at that time, but after reading about sleeve sizes I am afraid I might have messed up again and should have demanded a smaller instrument or went elsewhere. Just look at me, I am suppose to be introducing myself but it appears I am doing nothing but whine.

Well hello and thank you for letting me be part of your group. I hope to get alot of good information.

Please stop by and say hello because I can be shy.

[Ann2]

What size "bougie" did your surgeon use for your sleeve?

FYI, my surgeon based my sleeve size on a 36 bougie. I've lost 100 pounds and kept it off for longer than 1.5 years. Doing great here.

Also FYI, the bougie size is pretty inconsequential, between 32-40, in terms of long-term results. Says research.

[PrettyLady]

Size 42...that is too big right? He said if I stick to the plan that I can succeed. I am so bummed out....

[Merry Mary]

I don't think there's much difference in size of bougie. You previously had a lap band which may have caused damage to your stomach, thus the reason your doctor used a larger size. I don't know what size my doctor used, nor is it important to me. I've lost 220 pounds and kept it off and that's all that matters.

[RehabNurse]

Size 42...that is too big right? He said if I stick to the plan that I can succeed. I am so bummed out....

I was sleeved with a 40F bougie and lost all my excess weight.

Stomach size doesn't determine the amount of weight one loses with a sleeve. Instead, it's the metabolic and neurohormonal changes that unfold when the stomach's fundus is removed.

Below is a rather informative link regarding bougie sizing for vertical sleeve gastrectomies.
http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/la...e-Information/

Also, some people blame a larger bougie size on their inability to lose much weight with a sleeve. A woman posted she wasn't losing weight because her sleeve was made using a 38F bougie, so her surgeon "didn't give her a chance." However, many of us who were sleeved with 40F bougies got to our goal weights or below goal.

The difference between a 32F and a 42F bougie is about 2.5 centimeters...not much.

In sum, what you eat is far more crucial than the size of the tool used by the surgeon to shape your sleeve.

[Christie13]

I also have no idea what size my bougie is. I have lost 73 lbs in 9 months and 93 total. I am sure your surgeon knew what he was doing. You only have 55 lbs to lose so I think you will be fine. Just follow the rules. Take pictures and measurements now so you can track your progress.

[Martini]

hello sherry. and just so you know it is ok for you to vent and get it all out. because for those of us that have not had the surgery yet, it helps us with some questions to things that we want to know.

[Ann2]

Size 42...that is too big right? He said if I stick to the plan that I can succeed. I am so bummed out....

Here's an abstract of a one-year study comparing one-year weight-loss results of VSG patients with sleeves shaped by 32F bougies vs. those shaped by 42F bougies.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24577879

Results? Zero difference. Nada. Zilch.

I think you're stressing about something that doesn't matter.

[PrettyLady]

Good morning all!

I want to thank each and everyone of you for your input and welcoming me to the board. I will admit, I do worry alot. My mind is where it was 10 years ago after not having success with the lapband. Yes, I followed the rules but I couldnt lose with it and the surgeon thought it I was the reason for my failure. Over time I just gave up

Monday I have follow up with my dr and now I am equipped to ask the right questions.

[RehabNurse]

Here's another factor that I will not candy-coat...since I think false reassurances don't help anyone.

People with revisional sleeves may lose their weight a bit more slowly than their counterparts who have virgin first-time sleeves, but bariatric surgeons fail to tell prospective patients this tidbit so as to not discourage them.

The slower rate of weight loss may occur because the revision patient has already experienced the metabolic shock of a previous bariatric surgery.

Here is a blurb from the Texas Bariatric Specialists website:

Many patients don’t realize that after a revision, weight loss is generally slower, and the percentage of excess weight lost sustained is slightly lower than what is experienced after a primary weight loss surgery procedure.

http://texasbariatricspecialists.com...ery-revisions/
However, numerous people have had great results after revising from band to sleeve, so it all depends.

Forewarned is forearmed. Stick to the plan for the best results. Good luck to you!

[PrettyLady]

Thank you Rehab Nurse for all the information and well wishes. I am just going to press forward as I guess these feelings are normal in the early stage.
My surgeon did warn me about the slow weight loss and that was why i was worried about the size of bougie he used. I was thinking if i was gonna have slow weight loss than virgin sleevers- then lets do a smaller boogie for the long haul....But he didn't agree. I got a second opinion for another independent dr in the office who do more revision and agreed with his diagnosis

I am going out shortly to buy the things I need for Phase II-puree. I am going to pick up coconut water, kefir, greek yogurt, fruits in their own juices, oats, unsweeten apple sauce, single packs of cottage cheese with added fruit, can veggies -like carrots, beans and eggs. What do you think? Nothing acidic or bad... trying to focus on protein and because my throat hurts so bad.....

Again-I like to thank everyone for all your information. I want all of you and more in more corner while I am on this journey. Should I fall on the journey, please do not hesitate to pick me up, dust me off and provide your knowledge to get me back on the right track...All I want is to get to the finish line-so please feel free to tell me the ugly truth than a pretty lie.