Question:
Will chronic bronchitis prevent me from having surgery?

I had a bad case of broncitis back in 1996 and ever since then i get it at least once or twice a year. Will this in any way cause me to be dismissed by a WLS surgeon?    — Patti K. (posted on December 10, 2000)

December 10, 2000
My daughter had her lap RNY in January and had a long-standing history of chronic asthmatic bronchitis with several hospitalizations. It won't prevent you from having the surgery but it is information that your surgeon, and particularly your anesthesiologist, should be aware of. We have found it interesting that she hasn't had a single episode since her surgery (and her 170 lb. weight loss) although she's had several upper respiratory infections this year. In the past, that always led to episodes of severe bronchitis...who knows whether this can be directly linked to the WLS, but it sure has been a great year for her all around! Good luck!
   — Diana T.

December 11, 2000
Not at all. In fact, bronchitis and other respiratory problems are considered strong co-morbidities. The heavier I got, the worse my breathing problems got. Now at 7 montsh post-op and 91 pounds lighter, those problems have been severely curtailed.
   — Paula G.