So it is not just my imagination...

 I never asked my surgeon what my bougie size was.  Right out of the gate post op I felt like I could eat  a little more than what is typically posted.  Turns out, that is the case.  My guy normallly uses a 34 bougie, but they "lost" that size for about a month or so and thus a 36 was used.  He also does not sew tightly.  

This is actually a huge relief for me to know this, after all what is done is done.  I have felt like since the beginning that I struggle more with the eating then others, or perhaps it just feels that way.  Now I know I just have more capacity and potentially a bit more hunger than a typical patient on the board.  I also now need to be ever mindful of not stretching out the restriction.  I am ok with this though.  My weight loss has been coming along nicely and there is no side effects, foods that are  not tolerated, reflux, etc.  The honeymoon period is just 2 short months from being completed, but I feel confident that I will make the progress that I have left to make.  In the end, I like that fact that I will have a normal weight and a slightly more normal stomach than what I would have had with the smaller bougie.  Now it is that much more important though that I stay on plan, exercise, and do not allow myself to regress to the poor eating habits.  

All in all, a very good visit with the surgeon today. 

 As far as I knew, a 36 bougie is the average size used by most surgeons. I have one too, but my doctor does over sew and sometimes felt that I can eat more than some on here, but I have felt wonderful restriction too. I was a volume eater, so eating just ounces of something is rediculously small from what I was used to, yet I still feel like it is too much some days. I don't fear stretching out my sleeve though. I can visualize now, how much I can physically eat comfortably, and try to under eat that. Measuring whenever possible has helped me greatly with not overestimating a proper portion, and if my eyes do get bigger than my stomach, then my restriction kicks in and puts me in my place. Thankfully, that hasn't happened too often.

 Who convinced you that there was a honeymoon period?? Don't believe that non sense... This is a life long journey. Absolutely nothing is going to change - nothing anatomically, physically, physiologically, metabolically....is going to change. If you don't reach your goal by the 2 months, you can still keep working on it. 

Im glad you got the answer though - you've got a good attitude about it, and you're going to do well. :)

 
I think I disagree.

When you come out of surgery your stomach is smaller than it will ever be again.  It takes about 4-6 months for it to mature to a normal size sleeve.

 
Actually, the difference between a 34 and a 36 is results in your ability to eat MAYBE a teaspoon more of food than a 34.

Technique is the big issue here.  One doctor can use a 40F bougie and make a smaller stomach than someone who uses a 32 with a different technique.

Agreed.

 My Dr used a 42 i believe but sewed the staple line .. I have pretty good restriction actually.  I do get hungry often but I cant eat very much.

 I agree that there is a small difference from a 34 to 36, but I think there is a difference between a 36 that is not sewn tighltly and a 32 that is.  The size that I have is working quite nicely for me, and I have every expectation that this will continue.  

To acbrown- I totally agree that the honeymoon period is part hype, but I also believe there is some truth to the weight loss slowing down.  I am just prepared for it to slow if that is the case, but certianly continue to work toward goal :)

I just feel a bit relieved by learning this.  When I was reading that people at 3 or 4 months couldn't eat 4 ounces of chicken, and I could at 6 weeks it messed with me just a little.  I felt like my eating habits hadn't changed, that I was doing something wrong, etc.  Now, it just makes a little more sense is all.  

With that said though, it really doesn't matter what size it is, because for all of us it is a tool and it is what we make of it.