What Does This Response from Surgeon's Office Mean.....

So I got a response from my surgeon's office regarding a bunch of questions I had, and she said a couple things:

• "The estimated weight loss is 50-65% at best with the sleeve
• The bougie size the surgeon uses is 40-44.  I asked if he oversews, and she said no, as "the staple line is in triplet & it is not necessary" (can someone please explain to me what this last part means?
• If the sleeve is too narrow, you will have problems with reflux, swallowing etc. 

Obviously this isn't what I wanted to hear...

Key word here is 'estimated' - based on what? Are these the results that he obtains in his programme and with his patients? Because it is not what many on this board have achieved. Do you have other options or do you have to go to this surgeon? If you are not feeling a certain comfort level I would look elsewhere.

I have been reading this and have found it to be helpful:  http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/lapband/4599794/Informative-Bougie-Size-Information/

FWIW I just learned very recently that my surgeon uses a 40f bougie.  Also FWIW I am currently at 78% EWL based on my current lowered goal weight of 190.  Then again, I am very diligent about what I eat and how much, and I get my fluids and vitamins/supplements in regularly.

That 60% figure is one that you'll see quite commonly associated with the VSG.  All this estimated EWL business takes into account people who lose their momentum during the weight loss phase, I believe.  You will see MANY people post here and elsewhere who have exceeded that percentage of EWL.

I have to agree with Julia in saying that, if you don't like what you're hearing from this surgeon, consult with others. 

I think you know what it means.  I think you have a choice to make.

I just signed up for a seminar with another surgeon this Saturday, so I guess I'll wait and see how he compares. 

but does anyone know what "the staple line is in triplet" means?

It means that he thinks that the staples alone are enough and he might be right on this.  I am not sure that my doctor oversaws either. 

Three rows of staples.
Go on YouTube. If you watch the surgery it will make more sense.
Be very selective on a Dr. This is a surgery you have to live with for life.

Send the other doctor an email with your questions, that might narrow things down faster.  If it was me, I would find a practice that has done over 300 sleeves, has a complication rate around .05% and expects to see 80-100% EWL.  I would look for a great aftercare program and I would not settle for anything less than excellence.

i just signed up for a seminar on sat with the other surgeon i'm considering.  his office doesn't book you for an appt until you've attended the seminar, so hopefully i'll get a chance to ask him some questions there.