Question:
I have just been told by BTC that they can't do my surgery

My breathing is 48% and needs to be 60%. I'm devastated! No one can tell me how to improve it. I've been to a pulmonary specialist. I don't need oxygen but am close. After all the tests, nothing shows except for small lungs, caused by, guess what? Obesity! Any suggestions on how to improve my breathing? I'm limited to the amount of exercise I can do because of neuropathy.    — [Anonymous] (posted on June 10, 1999)

June 10, 1999
It may be that you will only need to lose a little to get your lung capacity up to where it needs to be for surgery so let me make a couple of suggestions. Talk with your doctor about using Fastin short term. Fastin is Pehnterimin the good side of Fen-Phen and is still being used successfully to help in weight loss. It won't work miracles, but it may get you to where you will qualify for surgery. You may also want to talk with your doctor about Meridia, another FDA approved weight loss drug which has shown much potential. Of course your ultimate goal is to get a bypass, but until you are able to qualify this might be the way to go. Rich
   — Richard T.

June 10, 1999
Have you tried other clinics?
   — vitalady

June 10, 1999
Do not give up hope. There is a doctor who comes online here quite often. He can probably give you some advise. Did the pulmonary Doctor give you any breathing exercises or any suggestions? If not, I suggest you seek someone out that at least can do that. Debra Janes
   — Debra J.

June 10, 1999
Go back to your pulmonary specialist and request respitory theropy. An RT may be able to help you expand the capasity of your lungs. I trust you do not smoke, if you do the choice is yours tobacco or life. There are ways to exercise your lungs without exercising the rest of your body. My heart goes out to you, but the odds of surviving the surgery without adequate lung capasity are not good.
   — [Anonymous]

June 10, 1999
Can you walk. Any walking will help tremendously to improve your lung capacity, as well as strengthen the abdominal muscles (important for less postop discomfort. If you start walking with ankle weights you will not really be adding much weight to the weight bearing part of your feet, but will help build thigh muscles and lung function.
   — Deborah L.

June 11, 1999
This may sound like a trite response...but please consider the following option to help invigorate lung capacity: Try joining a choir or chorus and engage in vigourous singing. Usually rehearsals last for a couple of hours a week of deep, controlled breathing involving not only the lungs but diagragm and other supporting muscles as well. Church choirs typically also perform on weekends. Taking voice lessons is another alternative. Here they can teach you breathing techniques, etc. to properly support your voice. This approach certainly cannot hurt, costs nothing, and can be quite enjoyable and mood lifting. You may even find yourself singing after and before rehearsal (or even in the shower!) Give it a try! Good Luck....
   — Robert A.

June 14, 1999
The only suggestion I would have is to go someplace else for your surgery. I was ON oxygen when I had mine...even WITH the oxygen, my breathing was depressed...I had mine done at the MAYO in scottdale..it ws a 5 hour drive from my home..but, I would have gone to timbucktu to have this surgery...looks like the BTC only wants to take the easy cases...
   — Deanna D.