Hi. I currently have an auto immune disease that ties in with lung disease. Would that stop me from getting my surgery? Does anyone know a person that’s had weight loss surgery and lung disease? Did their breathing get better? I just hope this doesn’t hold me back from getting sleeved. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

Oh, dear - this is probably not the best place to ask for such things - your well-being is at stake, you need a professional consultation, not a chitchat with folks here. What does your doc say? If there any higher risks?

Oh, dear - this is probably not the best place to ask for such things - your well-being is at stake, you need a professional consultation, not a chitchat with folks here. What does your doc say? If there any higher risks?

My lung doctor just says it depends on what the surgeon thinks basically.

As your lung doc suggests, this is something for your bariatric surgeon to answer. This is an unusual situation for these forums, so there isn't much experience here with this problem, and even those few who may have something similar, the situations can be quite variable between cases.

You may have to get opinions from several bariatric surgeons, as something that may be intimidating for one may be "no big deal" to another, depending upon their backgrounds - you may find one who has prior pulmonary experience. As an example, patients are often required to do a "liver shrinking" pre-op diet, sometimes with the surgeon threatening to close them up and send them home if they haven't complied and shrunk things enough, while other surgeons basically laugh at the idea, having developed techniques to work around a fatty liver. So, I suspect that your problem can be managed, though you may have to look around some to find the right surgeon.

I mean lung disease is a vague term. For example many bariatric patients have sleep apnea, which is technically a lung disease. And theyre encouraged to get bariatric surgery to improve it. I think the severity of it will play a part too.

Its certainly not completely contraindicated. I have had patients who came in for lung surgery with plans to come back for bariatrics later in the year.

Just an educated guess, but I would think the major determinant would be if bariatric surgery will impair your ability to successfully treat your autoimmune lung disease in the long term (ie frequent use of steroids). But I think the odds are it wont be much of an issue

As your lung doc suggests, this is something for your bariatric surgeon to answer. This is an unusual situation for these forums, so there isn't much experience here with this problem, and even those few who may have something similar, the situations can be quite variable between cases.
You may have to get opinions from several bariatric surgeons, as something that may be intimidating for one may be "no big deal" to another, depending upon their backgrounds - you may find one who has prior pulmonary experience. As an example, patients are often required to do a "liver shrinking" pre-op diet, sometimes with the surgeon threatening to close them up and send them home if they haven't complied and shrunk things enough, while other surgeons basically laugh at the idea, having developed techniques to work around a fatty liver. So, I suspect that your problem can be managed, though you may have to look around some to find the right surgeon.

You’re right because I tried to research lung disease and getting sleeved and didn’t find much. My surgeon consultation is next week so I’m sure I’ll get answers then. Thanks for the insight!

This is relatively helpful

https://www.med.unc.edu/gisurgery/files/contraindications-to-weight-loss-surgery

I mean lung disease is a vague term. For example many bariatric patients have sleep apnea, which is technically a lung disease. And theyre encouraged to get bariatric surgery to improve it. I think the severity of it will play a part too.
Its certainly not completely contraindicated. I have had patients who came in for lung surgery with plans to come back for bariatrics later in the year.
Just an educated guess, but I would think the major determinant would be if bariatric surgery will impair your ability to successfully treat your autoimmune lung disease in the long term (ie frequent use of steroids). But I think the odds are it wont be much of an issue

It’s not severe and I hope it won’t be much of an issue. I’ll just have to wait and see and hope it all works out. Thanks for your input!

This is relatively helpful

https://www.med.unc.edu/gisurgery/files/contraindications-to-weight-loss-surgery

Thanks!

Hi [emoji4] I have Lupus (also an auto immune disease) I had my surgery in July 2016 at the time I was on 10mgs of prednisone. I know this isn’t lung disease but being on meds didn’t effect anything. I went from 315lbs to 180lbs in just under a year and am now currently maintaining that. My surgeon was very good and did do some extra (what he called precautionary) things to ensure I had an excellent recovery. I’m happy to talk if you want to PM me?

I know we’re not talking about exactly the same thing but getting a VSG was one of the best decisions I ever made [emoji4] no regrets at all and it has definitely helped with my Lupus symptoms.

Hi [emoji4] I have Lupus (also an auto immune disease) I had my surgery in July 2016 at the time I was on 10mgs of prednisone. I know this isn’t lung disease but being on meds didn’t effect anything. I went from 315lbs to 180lbs in just under a year and am now currently maintaining that. My surgeon was very good and did do some extra (what he called precautionary) things to ensure I had an excellent recovery. I’m happy to talk if you want to PM me?

I know we’re not talking about exactly the same thing but getting a VSG was one of the best decisions I ever made [emoji4] no regrets at all and it has definitely helped with my Lupus symptoms.

They actually thought I had lupus at first. I’m so glad to hear it didn’t effect anything because I’m on steroids too. I’m also happy to hear your symptoms got better! Thanks for sharing your experience! I’ll be pm’ing you soon [emoji5]