VSG/Bougie/Capacity: New Findings !!!!!

I think that you make excellent points. The only reason I don't think that this topic is overdone is that so many people know next to nothing about surgical difference until they are past the point of having a choice.  That is unfortunate. Once the surgery is done, all of this is moot. I personally know a few people with larger sleeves that are at goal so it can be done with any size sleeve.  Choice is still a good thing.

I don't remember my bougie size but I do remember to measure my food and undereat my sleeve. I have reached normal BMI and have lost 99% EW. I continue to measure my food.

I do know how my surgeon explained his technique made a lot of sense to me. (I work in the medical profession.) Bougie size may matter but it is a moot point as my habits determine my success.

I guess talking about bougie size post-op is like comparing bra cup sizes. My A-cup breasts functioned as needed when my my babies needed feeding. Size didn't really seem to matter at the time.

 

Love it!

I believe your own compliance is much more indicative of how well you will do than bougie size.  The size difference is not that much - think of the different thicknesses of pens.  I think there's an illustration around here somewhere.

 

Slow day on the RNY board I suppose. Not sure why or how anyone would take issue with the idea that we are the masters of our own destiny. Commit to and comply with our program and we should succeed. That was my take away from Frisco's post.

I read the study that Elina posted. Numbers are not my thing, but it does appear in this study that a smaller bougie had a better outcome.  What I didn't know was about technique.  I watched videos before my surgery and my surgeon discussed in general terms how VSG is done.  I did not know to ask what his technique was.  I don't think unless he said something that was completely off that I would have questioned it.  He didn't discuss bougie size and only found out by getting my medical records that I have a 34F.  I don't know where he started the staple line in relation to the pyloric valve. In the end it does come down to commitment.  The study indicated that those 55 did not do as well.  I was 56 with a BMI of 50.  I reached my goal weight in 15 months, which was fine with me. I have been maintaining since Sept 2013.  I will be coming up on 2 yrs. next month.  I appreciate all posts, even if I have a had a different experience as they might help someone.  It appears that some here knew  specifically what questions to ask before hand to make the most informed decision. People have done their research and chosen the surgeon they felt had good technique that would benefit them long term. I knew my surgeon had been doing bariatric surgery for a long time including VSG and DS.  I know he had a good reputation and I trusted his skills.  The rest was and is up to me.