Bougie

I keep seeing Bougie size mentioned. What is that??? LOL

It is the tube shaped thing they put down your throat into your stomach as a guide for creating the staple line. 

Typical sizes for VSG are about 32F to 40F.  Mine is a 34F.  It is not exactly the size of your new stomach - it is just the size of the thing used as a guide.  Some surgeons staple loosely, some are tighter.

What the above poster said... but also that it is what is used as a guide in making your final stomach.  The larger the bougie generally the more capacity of your new stomach.  There are variences.  IT can be tightly sewn or loosely- with the loose making more capacity. 

It's a tube used as a guide by your surgeon to form the incision cutting your stomach.  It goes down your throat and the stomach is pulled around it to create the guide.  Don't get worked up about what size is used.  Instead, ask your surgeon what you can expect your final stomach capacity to be.

go to this post it will show you the different sizes , there is not that much difference between the commonly used32f-38f sizes  the food plan is the most important part of the weight loss,also the shape the surgeon makes it long and thin is best , hour glass the worst

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/vsg/4517656/Bougie-Size-Infamous-Pen-Photo-Question/

I never even asked what size bougie.... I was told by my surgeon that they removed 80% of my old stomach.its the shape of a banana he say.. He also stiches staples and uses a special glue so there are no leaks....  That's all I know...  Should I ask ??

Depends.  What would you do with the information once you asked?  If the number is larger, would you request a smaller size?  If it is smaller, would you request a larger size?  I think questions to consider ask could include bougie size, but not necessarily so.  I would ask questions like:

1.  What is your complication rate?

2.  How many sleeves have you performed?

3. What is the statistics of your specific patients with respect to % of EWL? (In other words, what does success look like in your practice?)

4.  What is my follow up care? Does it include lab work and if so how frequently? Is there a Nutritionist that will work with me? Is there a support group I can attend? Is there a therapist that works with WLS patients to use as a resource? 

I am not trying to be snarky at all about your question.  I am not sure what 805 would equate to as far as bougie size.  I can tell you in my case I went into surgery being told I would lose about 85% of my stomach, he couldn't locate that bougie he normally uses so I got a larger size, and I wouldn't change a thing! You NEVER want to pressure a surgeon into using s amaller size than what he/she is comfortable with- too much risk with complications.  If the size of the bougie is an issue for you then use a surgeon with lots of experience with a smaller size. 

All questions that I  consider for me important question such as leaks how many have you preformed .follow up and so on I did ask .. I have a 24 hr hot line to my surgeon and the practice. .. and amazing nut ,he is there to answer every or any question at any time ...He is truly amazing... As far as size ... like the saying goes "size DOESN'T matter"..  I wouldn't change a thing.. *(except maybe drinking more water in the very beginning ) personally I feel he has done a perfect job. No matter what size bougie used...  I'm a very happy person... you are correct..

My surgeon says he does a 34f loose (or average). The size difference between a 34 and a 40 is about 2 millimeters. Although every bit helps...in the end a millimeter or two is NOT the reason we succeed or fail, it's our emotional journey and learning to use our tool/restriction. (at least thats what i've choose to take from my surgeon. OH, nurses, COE, OH, vets, et...)