My name is Diane and I'm in CA. I'm guess I'm what would be considered a lightweight at 5'4 and 220 lbs. I have considered bariatrics, like most of us I imagine, off and on over the years but rejected the idea due in lieu of trying harder to do it "on my own." What has brought me to this point now is that I have tracheal stenosis (where my trachea becomes narrowed due to scar tissue and inflammation). I also have severe LPR (a form of gerd) which I believe is significantly exacerbating, if not downright causing, this issue. The shortness of breath had been going on for 3 years becoming progressively worse before I was diagnosed. I had a laser surgery and dilation on my trachea in April, at which point my airway had been 50-60% closed. Within 5 weeks I was already having new inflammation in the area.

So, I am having a roux en y with slight modifications to strengthen my upper sphincter and hopefully relieve me of the LPR. Between having less acid, making it more difficult for existing acid to get to my airway and by reducing intra-abdominal pressure with weight loss we are hopeful. Otherwise, I could be looking at repeated dilation procedures for the rest of my life.

I went to my first seminar in February and had an appointment with the surgeon a few weeks after. We decided that after I met the conditions of the surgeon's office we would submit to the insurance as a general surgery for anti-reflux purposes to avoid having to go through the 6 month diet requirement. We both fear a restenosis in my airway the longer we wait. Fortunately, I had already met most of the requirements having seen several specialists recently.

We submitted to the insurance on the 23rd and I called this morning and they said it was approved! I am quite in shock actually. They apparently approved it the very next day, but the surgeon's office didn't even know about it yet. So my surgery has been set for August 8th.

Like most people, I am simultaneously excited and terrified.

Congratulations! I hope this surgery is all you ever wanted/needed to be happy and healthy. Keep us updated.

Congratulations and let us know if we can be of any help.