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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 9/28/2014 4:05 PM (GMT 0)
I am 6 weeks out of fundoplication and having reflux. I, from reading posts here, was curious and asked about the size of bougie used as my Dr. didn't mention that ever. He said it was a size 60. I am 5'6" and was 140 lbs. at the time of surgery. Was the 60 too big and should I just accept that my surgery will not help ? My mom died of esophagus cancer and I am scared...
Posted 9/28/2014 10:56 PM (GMT 0)
The surgeon usually sizes the bougie to fit the esophagus. It probably doesn't have anything to do with height and weight.

At 6 weeks you might still not be back to normal. What does your surgeon have to say?
Posted 9/28/2014 11:06 PM (GMT 0)
mello1. Welcome to our forum. I'm sorry, but I haven't yet read your previous posts. But I seem to recall that Denise ( moderator Dencha) mentioned that her size was 56. Don't think the difference is significant but always worth a call to the nurse at your surgeons office. You are early in your recovery (and it is major surgery) so more time will help. Follow the eating plan very carefully and ask questions about reflux to your nurse.

Wish you well and let us know how you are doing. Kindly. Pat
Posted 9/29/2014 6:21 AM (GMT 0)
From what I have been told by surgeons they usually use a bougie that is the basic diameter of your esophagus if they use one.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 9/29/2014 11:41 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Alcie,

I asked him what size bougie was used and he said 60 was good because it wasn't so tight. I then found a discussion here which said the size used for women was normally 54...
Posted 9/29/2014 11:48 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Pat,

I am sad because I am having reflux after surgery. I know I am only 6 weeks out and hoping for the best. My doctor seemed perplexed when I told him I am having reflux and said that should've stopped immediately after surgery. Thanks so much for the response.
Posted 9/29/2014 11:56 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Bill. I got nervous when I saw that a size 54 or 56 is used and the one used on me was s a 60. Seems weird because I am a small boned person... I did all of this to avoid the PPI's and am trying to be proactive ...

Thank you ...
Posted 9/30/2014 1:28 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Mello,

As Pat said, my bougie size was "56 French", whatever that means. And yes, the bougie helps the surgeon create the proper wrap tightness. I think we are each unique internally, and it's hard to compare one to another.

At six weeks post op, there is no reason to question the success of your surgery. You're in the infancy of your recovery. It takes six MONTHS for most of the healing and a year for the rest.

Try not to over-think your symptoms/recovery. Try to relax into your recovery and give your body to heal, before assuming your surgery isn't going to help you in the long run.

Happy healing,
Denise
Posted 10/1/2014 2:33 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you for the reassurance Denise. I am trying not to assume the worst but am sad about having the reflux pain. I will hope for the best.
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