Need a recommendation for sleeve surgery in Durham NC or in NC

Do you by chance know what size sleeve Dr. Enochs uses and whether folks had any difficulty with reflux or anything else. I know that if it's too small one can have complications and if it's too big folks dont lose as well or keep it off.

Hi again,

Do you by chance know how many sleeve surgeries Dr. Enochs performs in a year and per week? Do you know what size bougie he uses, how he closes up his sleeve ( ie staples alone or staples and stitches, and how he shapes his sleeve? Just trying to gather as much  info as I can. I'm curious as to why you didn't use Duke. Right now I have met with one doc at Duke-Dr. Sudan- but am trying to find another doc to get a second opinion from.

I went to Dr. Jon Bruce, and he is fantastic. He's also at Bariatric Specialists of NC, but he also has his own website with more info about him and his philosophies. It's www.eastcoastsleevecenter.com. I'm one of his success stories on the site, if you'd like to read more about my journey.

Thanks so much for replying...I will definitely check out your journey...Have you had any complications at all?..if you don't mind my asking...Do you feel it was worth it?

It was absolutely, incredibly worth it. My only side issue was needing to have my gall bladder out, which was no big deal. My life is so, so much better now that I'm taking the steps to good health! I run, don't get sweaty doing easy tasks, and have no longer got high blood pressure, insulin resistance, sleep apnea, or high cholesterol. Surgery and the subsequent lifestyle change saved my life.

TSinNC,

If you don't mind my asking, how much did you weightwhen you started and how tall are you?  I'm asking because I'm around 5'3 and am starting at around 299. Are you Tina from Dr. John Bruce website?  If so, Wow!  You have done a fantastic job!  It says that you have lost 190 lbs!!  Is that accurate?  HoLY COW!!!  Amazing.   Do you by chance know what size bougie your doc used for your sleeve/ or what size sleeve you have?  Also, how does he check for leaks in the sleeve during and immediately after surgery?

Hi there,

Yes, I am Tina from Dr. Bruce's website. The site actually says that I am down TO 190 pounds, not that I've lost that many. I'm now down to 176, so time to send him an update! :)

I started at 290 on my day of surgery, and am 5'7. My highest weight was 325. 

I do not know the size of the bougie he used. I'm not sure how much that matters, as long as you exercise and eat on-plan. He does test for leaks during and after surgery.

He is an awesome doc, and I highly recommend him!

Thanks so much for replying and congrats on your success!!  You look fantastic and I'm sure you feel fantastic also!  Can I ask why you went with Dr. Bruce and not Enochs?  Just curious because I know Dr. Enochs has been around quite some time. 

Dr. Bruce and I just clicked. I like his wellness philosophy, and he is a super nice person.

Hi again,

Do you by chance know how Dr. Bruce closes his sleeve -ie staples alone or staples and stitches. I'm also curious about how he shapes the sleeve. Do you know if he keeps the curve/shape of the stomach and what size sleeve he makes? Do you know his leak rate and complication rate?  Just trying to gather as much info as I can so I know who to get a second opinion from.

Thanks so much!