Hi
I work at a company that does respiratory therapy and one of the machines we dispense are cpap machines. If your study comes back as showing you had respiratory events (apneas and/or hypopneas) the dr will prescribe a cpap. It does not give you oxygen, but it does keep your airway open while sleeping. Some people need oxygen while using the machine but a majority of patients just use the cpap alone. Usually significant weight loss will stop the need for a cpap, but if your study shows you have apneas, then that is all the more reason for the insurance company to go along with the decision to have WLS. If you do have to use a cpap, it may take a while to get used to it, but the majority of our patients think it is the greatest thing ever. After they have the cpap titration study (the second one using the cpap) they realize how great of a nights sleep they will be getting.
I may have to get a study done as part of my pre-surgery requirements. I really don't think I have sleep apnea, the only reason wake up in the middle of the night, and feel tired in the morning is because of 2 dogs and a two year old who get up in the middle of the night. Otherwise I feel I get a great nights sleep. Anyway, it is nothing to be afraid of, just a pain maybe getting used to the mask. Good luck!!!
Lisa