Who has a 40 fr bougie? 32?

I just found out that my surgeon used a 40 fr. He said he doesn't like using a 32 because sometimes they have to be dilated later. I am now a little down and mad at myself that I never discussed the bougie size with him. I just told him to make it as small as he could.  So to get an idea of how well I may or maynot do with my weight loss I would appreciate it if anyone that has had a 40 fr could post some answers and for a comaparison, those that have a 32 also. Thank you.

When did you have your surgery?

How much have you lost since surgery?

How much can you eat?

Are you hungry?

Are you happy with banana size?

If you are 40 fr, even if you are not completely satisfied with the size, is it still a big improvement over not having the surgery or are you still hungry a lot?

I am almost 2 weeks out and except for just after eating I am hungry. I do get full faster but a couple of hours later I am starving. The hunger pangs have not gone away.

Right after surgery my surgeon said I would be able to eat about 2 oz. Right after surgery I could barely eat 2 oz without feeling stuffed so that was good. But now that the swelling is going down I can eat the 2 oz. Don't want to eat more than 2 oz cause I don't want to stretch anything so I don't know if I can eat more than 2 oz now without getting stuffed.

I lost 15 lbs by Sunday last week and then stopped. This morning I was a little more, as of this morning I lost 16. Not as much as many others and it seems like the ones who are doing so much better are the ones who have a 32 fr.

I would appreciate any input.

Thank you,
Colette

Hi Colette,     I'm not a 40,but a 38. I was disappointed at first as well, but am pleased with my wt loss. My surgeon doesn't like to use too small a bougie because of the greater risk of the stomach collapsing on itself. Now, I don't have any statistics on that happening, but I decided that I trusted my surgeon and so far have lost more than 70 bls in 6 1/2 months. I'm pleased. I also remember that no matter what the size of the bougie, it is still just a tool and only as good as I use it. It sounds like you are doing very well and are right on target.      I can eat about 2 cups of protein shake over 30 - 45 minutes, and about 1-1/2 oz of meat at a time. Meat is something I have to be careful with as it fills up my banana very quickly and once it's full nothing else will go in and I end up vomiting..... trust me.... your tummy will teach you.     I have to eat at least every three hours. If I go longer than that I get too hungry and make poor choices and am more likely to eat to much and end up vomiting. Depending on what I've eaten, I may only be able to go 2 hours between " meals" . Remember our tummies are really small and we sort of have to eat like a newborn....every two to three hours. I don't ever expect to go longer than 3 hours between meals comfortably.     I'm really happy with my VSG and only wish that I could have had it done 20 years ago. It is way better than not having had any surgery. Nope,not hungry a lot... mostly just at appropriate times. If I start getting hungry, I'll check the clock and inevitably it will have been about 2 plus hours since I last ate.    Marie C has posted the differences in bougie size and wt loss and you might find that in Nano FAQ site....you can click on the link under my signature below.     Hope this helps. Happy Easter !  Just think... an Easter where candy isn't a big issue !!  Jane

 

Hi Colette,   I didn't discuss the bougie size with Dr. C. Which makes wonder now what size mine is. Either way, I'm still happy with my surgery. I'm glad it's done and over with. The Physicians Assistant did say that it's now 40-60 cc. But i can take about 4 oz. of my protein drink in one sitting of about 25 minutes or so.  I heard that the SF docs usually use 32 fr. aloha, michelle

Well sleeve sister, I had the 32 bougie, and have a similar weight loss as you, but I started out with a BMI of 63!  I am happy with the rate, and am not convinced that the few millimeters difference between a 32 and 40 make any difference at all.  You've lost over a pound a day!!!!  How could that be anything other than amazing!? Please please please don't get caught up in comparing yourself to others on the weight loss side, it's just a way to torture yourself.  Do this is 6 months out, and you'll have a real comparison.  Our bodies are all so different, we start at different weights, with different health issues, and different medications.  Bougie size alone DOES NOT determine personal outcomes. Our behavior, our body chemistry, and our complaince to the rules, our amount of physical exercise, I believe all have way more to do than bougies size.    Keep up the good work, it WILL COME OFF! XXXOOO Janet

Oh Janet.... i just love you darling!!  You make such wise sense....EVEN AT 4 FLIPPIN 30 IN THE MORNING!!!  I'll shout you an AMEN!! and follow up with a "You Go GIRL!!".  The only person to 'compare' against is ourself and every other approach we have ever tried to lose weight in our past.  THEN, you are SO RIGHT....It's ALL amazing!!   Pleased to share amazements with you, my dear friend.  See you in 3 months.....cool!  Sherrie

Thank you Sherrie, I get to learn from you on your journey, and form Sheree!  It's nice to have those who have gone before you share the wisdom!  I am so exctied to see you this summer, just can't wait....

I am a 56 Fr. and still have lost to date 75 lbs in 7-1/2 months and am 35 lbs from goal. I can manage about 3 oz of dense protein and 4 oz of cottage cheese or softer protein at a sitting. But then, hickups and if I push to much, throwups -- so even a 56 Fr. works. Just remember the size of the original stomach, which could hold pounds of food at a sitting, not ounces.  You are probably dealing with a few percentage points variance in size in comparison to your original stomach. Don't worry. You will be fine. Just use the tool for what it does.

Hi Collette,
I have a size 40F, but I'm only 3 weeks further out than you, so might not be that much help. As everyone is saying, it is a very individual thing !
I had surgery on the 6th March. At 4 weeks I had lost 17lbs since surgery( -nothing in the 4th week), 33lbs total. I seem to have hit a stall, although my clothes are still getting looser.
I can eat between 1/4 and 1/2 cup of food at a time, depending what it is -soft is easier than firm.
I felt hungry a lot between 2-4/12 weeks, but I think that is now changing. The last few days I haven't noticed I am hungry until I get dizzy and really NEED to eat. I do need to eat every 2 1/2-4hours -at 4 hours I am feeling quite faint. I think the transition to normal food ie meat etc helps a lot with the hunger. I have noticed that carbs make me hungry sooner than mostly proteins.
I was worrying last week that I was eating too much , thinking about food too much and maybe it wasn't going to work for me(sound familiar??), but I am now reassured as I have genuinely forgotten about food between meals the last few days. So give yourself time, things will get better. Remember how much you used to eat and compare it to what you eat now! Try on clothes that are too tight every week and compare to the week before -much more encouraging than those stupid scales!!
I am very glad I have had the surgery. I feel like I have got my life back already. The improvement is amazing. Even when I think I am 'overeating' it is nothing like what I used to eat. My whole meal wouldn't have even made it as a snack for me before!
I am glad my stomach is not smaller -I find it very hard to get enough water in as it is. I also think it is healthier in the long run to be able to eat a bit more, although I would love the lightning weightloss!
Hang in there Collette, its very early days !
All the best,
Sally

Well, I'm a 34F and I am very happy with my sleeve. At 8 monts I can eat a real meal but not more than I need. I am 3 lbs from goal and all is well. You shouldn't worry about what you perceive as hunger. Many people get that early and it fades with time. Sometimes it's thirst, other times it is a sensation from the healing, but it does go away. You're doing great, just trust the procedure. The difference between a 32 and a 40 is quite small.