COPD/Emphysema and WLS

nicnaknut · July 27, 2007

I have COPD/Emphysema and will be having LB surgery on October 16th. I would like to hear from others that have COPD and if the weight loss has helped any with your breathing and energy levels.

My primary physician says that my big stomach is keeping my lungs from expanding to full capacity by pushing up against my diagraphm. I am hoping that weight loss will help with my shortness of breath and energy levels. I know that I won't ever get full function back of my lungs, but I would like to have the ability to breath a little bit better and have a higher energy level so I can do things with my grandchildren that I cannot do now. Or, perhaps I am just dreaming of things that cannot be.

It would be nice to hear from others and their experiences.

sharon2u · August 2, 2007

I heard that people with COPD are not candidates for this surgery. My husband has COPD and a big belly but he is not no where over 100 pounds overweight I think he is 80 pounds but he is waiting for me to have mine that way he acn see how I do before he considers his.

Llenaj · September 28, 2008

I have mild to moderate emphysema and a BMI of 40. Otherwise, my health is good. My pulmonologist said that even if I had to have open WLS rather than LAP, he says potential benefits of WLS makes it worth the risk -- because people with COPD do much better when thinner. I too would love to hear from people with COPD who have had WLS, to hear whether breathing benefits have been substantial.

Thanks.

Janell