oversewing

Okay, I posted already tonight about bougie size, but it spurred another question in my mind.....the surgeon who would be doing my surgery does not "oversew".  Is this a big deal?  He didn't really offer an explanation about it, then again I didn't ask.  Anyway, does anyone know much about this and if it will affect things good or bad?

Thanks,
Ms neurotic

Personally, I do think it's a big deal, but that's me. Oversewing with a running stitch will create a tighter sleeve - especially if the surgeon has stapled up against the bougie.

I have an oversewn sleeve. My surgeon used a 40f for my sleeve. (He has his reasons and I"m fine with his explanation.) Seems that I have a tighter sleeve than a friend I know who was done with smaller bougie size (32), but without oversewing. Granted she's a bit farther along than I, but I can eat 2-3 ounces of meat and be sated. She still feels pretty empty and wants to eat more after eating 4 ounces. Turns out her surgeon uses a 32 but likes to make it loose to prevent strictures. Not what I'd want.

hmm interesting.  The surgeon was pretty adament about how TIGHT he does his sleeves....so, I guess if that's the reasoning behind oversewing, should even out I would hope.

Hey, if the surgeon has a good track record and his patient weight loss stats are good, and you are comfortable with him, then no worries. It is very possible to make a tight sleeve without using the oversewn running stitch. Some surgeons just strongly believe that the oversewing aids in long term smaller sleeve size.

I had to come around to my guy using a 40f. The surgeon I orignially wanted (but who was not covered by my insurance) uses a 32F and oversews. Once I talked to my surgeon it became clear the only real difference between the two surgeons was the size of the bougie they used. I ended up feeling very comfortable with my surgeon and think the world of him.