One of the many factors that contribute to how much weight you may lose in bariatric surgery is the bougie size. What’s that, and why does it matter?
As you work with your bariatric weight loss surgeon, you’ll learn a great deal about the methods and techniques used and why one may be better for you than others. Often, those who receive a vertical sleeve gastrectomy procedure will have their stomach reduced in size. This allows for consuming less food and faster weight loss. Your bougie size can play a role in this.
What is the Bougie?
The bougie is a soft tube used to calibrate the size of the new stomach in gastric sleeve surgery and some duodenal switch surgeries. This plastic, soft tube allows your doctor to manage the intricate details of the procedure, including providing you with a properly sized stomach to optimize your weight loss.
Bougie and Gastric Sleeve Surgery
This long tube is placed into y our mouth and then moved down to the esophagus. Once in place, it outlines and forms the new stomach. Then, your surgeon will use the necessary tools to remove the rest of the stomach, shrinking it down in size significantly.
This type of procedure often results in the removal of as much as 80 percent of a person’s stomach. Keep in mind that your surgeon determines what size is ideally removed based on numerous factors, including your overall health and well-being and the desired results.
Bougies Size and Estimated Weight Loss?
When doctors use a smaller bougie size, they are able to reduce the risk of stretching the gastric sleeve all the way down the line. This allows for the proper but safe removal of part of the stomach. This portion called the fundus, is the stretchy part of your stomach that tends to expand when you eat large amounts of food. It’s also where most of the ghrelin hormones exist.
Related: Gastric Sleeve Weight Loss Calculator & Chart
The calibration of the bougie size is critical. It plays a direct role in the amount of weight you lose. The closer to the stapler that the bougie gets, the smaller and tighter the sleeve is, and that means your sleeve is much smaller overall. This allows for more of the stomach to be removed, providing you with better results (smaller stomachs mean that less food can be taken in, forcing the body to burn stored fat instead).
Studies indicate that those with a smaller bougie size will have better weight loss. For example, one study found that those who had a bougie size between 27F and 39F were able to lose about 5% more weight than those who had a bougie size beyond 39F.
Renew Bariatrics uses the Bougie size 36F typically. *No guarantee is made on size, it will be selected at the discretion of the surgeon based on the anatomy of each patient, medical history, patient risk, various other factors.
How is the Bougie Measured?
Your doctor can offer you insight and even show you what a bougie is when you visit for your procedure. Having some knowledge beforehand can also give you some peace of mind.
The bougie is measured in a measurement called French, often referred to as just “F”. In standard measurements, an F is 0.333 mm or 1/3 of a mm.
A typical size, which can change widely from one person to the next, is 40F, which would be equal to ½ inch in diameter. Most of the time, weight loss surgeons will use a bougie size that is smaller than this – between 32F and 36F. Remember, the smaller it is, the safer the procedure can be, and the more effective the losses are likely to be.
The following are some of the standard bougie sizes used today:
- 32Fr = .40″
- 34Fr = .425″
- 36Fr = .45″
- 38Fr = .476″
- 40Fr = .5″
- 46Fr = .576″
- 60Fr = .75″
What is the Best Bougie Size?
The key to remember is that there isn’t just one size that is appropriate for every person. Your surgeon must consider your current BMI, as well as other factors, including your age, the size of your existing stomach, and any medical concerns that may be present.
Another factor influencing the size used is the surgeons’ skill. A smaller bougie makes the procedure riskier and can lead to complications, including nausea. A smaller size can also mean it takes longer to recover from the procedure.
For these reasons, your gastric surgeon will carefully work with you to determine the right bougie size for your needs. Finding the balance between safety and effective excessive weight loss is critical for your safety and the results you desire.
