Chelle 59 Posted July 26, 2013 I have 49 days until I am done with my 6 months pre-op supervised weight loss. Hopefully will be able to schedule surgery in September. So I have had all the tests that they require, but Im really struggling with this sleep study for sleep apnea. So I had my study....and yes I have sleep apnea. Not terrible- but enough that a CPAP machine would be good for me. The doc said that even with the machine on, my oxygen levels go down when I sleep. Lovely. My issue is....in a lot of cases, sleep apnea gets better as you get thinner. Why in the world wouldnt they wait for 6 months and see if I still have it- then go through the process of putting me on the darth vadar sleeping machine??? Seems completely counter-intuitive. I have not died in my 40+ years yet, and its unlikely Im going to bite the big one in the next 6 months. Will someone please talk me out of being so negative about this stupid machine???? Chelle Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jeepchick42 193 Posted July 26, 2013 I used to work at a respiratory company that dealt with cpaps and I completely agree with you. It was very frustrating to do the work just for us to pick it up a few months later when the person had weight loss surgery. And I've said that line " they haven had an issue in 40+ years..." so many times I can't even count. Lol. However, I do believe you should use the machine. For now. Most sleep apnea clears up after surgery. The hospital will make you bring it when you have surgery and if your dr knows your on it and didn't bring it he probably won't be too happy. I don't know what insurance you have but most insurances will purchase the machine for you in a year. So if you don't need it in a few months call the company and they'll pick it up. Suffer now to reap the reward later. : ) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jacqueline K 93 Posted July 26, 2013 I asked my surgeon about a sleep study and that i think I have sleep apnea. He told me that with a BMI over 50 he was sure I did have it but since surgery would cure it then no sleep study. I was a little surprised but glad too. Sent from my iPhone using RNYTalk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zuzuspetals 78 Posted July 26, 2013 I asked my surgeon about a sleep study and that i think I have sleep apnea. He told me that with a BMI over 50 he was sure I did have it but since surgery would cure it then no sleep study. I was a little surprised but glad too. Sent from my iPhone using RNYTalk I would INSIST on a sleep study. If in fact you do have apnea, it won't be 'cured' overnight by surgery. Plus do you realize what kind of damage you are doing to your brain by e lack of oxygen each night? Not to mention that during and after surgery, people with apnea have to have special care taken with their heart and breathing ... I had special monitors and my whole team took special care with regard to my anesthesia and pain meds and my breathing. Please, insist on it, and advocate for yourself. The CPAP is not an extra burden, it's a lifesaver! 1 Crkrjax76 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zuzuspetals 78 Posted July 26, 2013 I have 49 days until I am done with my 6 months pre-op supervised weight loss. Hopefully will be able to schedule surgery in September. So I have had all the tests that they require' date=' but Im really struggling with this sleep study for sleep apnea. So I had my study....and yes I have sleep apnea. Not terrible- but enough that a CPAP machine would be good for me. The doc said that even with the machine on, my oxygen levels go down when I sleep. Lovely. My issue is....in a lot of cases, sleep apnea gets better as you get thinner. Why in the world wouldnt they wait for 6 months and see if I still have it- then go through the process of putting me on the darth vadar sleeping machine??? Seems completely counter-intuitive. I have not died in my 40+ years yet, and its unlikely Im going to bite the big one in the next 6 months. Will someone please talk me out of being so negative about this stupid machine???? Chelle[/quote'] Depending on how long you've been obese, you also haven't had a decent nights rest in years either. Do you know what kind of effect years of sleep deprivation have on the body, and years of oxygen deprivation have on the brain? Use the CPAP for 2 weeks, faithfully, and then judge whether you need it or not. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
karlam29 221 Posted July 26, 2013 Im also positive ti sleep apnea and im dreading it! Its my last step with preop and my pulmonologist wont give clearance until i have a cpap at home now im freaking out that i stopped breathing at nite and when i didnt know i was fine i see my pulmo on the 1st ao well see hopefully it wont delay too much... Good luck! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites