Got 4 zephyr valves Aug 24, 2023.
Some things better already, some are the same.
Doc says slow steady rebuild of lungs and overall body muscles.

There are two valves currently in use; the Zephyr and the Spiration valves. Both were approved by the FDA by 2018 and have been used ever since. You can find the centers that do the procedure on the Pulmonx and Spiration websites. The success rate varies from center to center, and it's best to learn about the valves from the websites and then talk with the docs at the center where you would have the procedure. That's where you can ask the big questions: how many procedures do you do annually? how many people who are evaluated by your center have the procedure completed? what is the success rate? have any of your patients experienced coughing the valves out? how many develop pneumothoraxes or pneumonia as a result of the procedure? what's the average increase in the FEV1 of people who have successful procedures? And any other questions you can think of.

There is a newer safer version in the works. Im not much for lung valves myself and everyone is different. No Dr's here so take my opinion with a grain of Himilayian salt.

I was told it was a big process- X-rays, scans, etc and most of all no smoking

Be caerful and google zephyr valves.