I would like input about sleep apnea

[mentalistfan 189]

Let me give you a little background...I have had all Pre-op testing done that my surgeon requires, tomorrow is my nutrition class, once all info is gathered I was going to have everything submitted to insurance. I was hoping for an August surgery date. My BMI is over 40. My surgeon did not require a sleep apnea study! However, my PCP wanted me to have one and I did, I got the results Friday, I have moderate sleep apnea. Sooooo, since my surgeon doesn't require the test, is it possible they just monitor everyone close during WLS and this won't set me back? What exactly does the anesthesiologist need to know? Like specific things or just that you have sleep apnea? If my PCP didn't send me for the study, I would have been put to sleep without knowing, I was just wondering if it makes a big difference, I don't need a comorbidity because of my BMI, thanks for any insight you can give me!

[Cupcake 801]

Hi when you meet with the anesthesiologist they will review and go over your entire health as well as your family history he may ask yo about your sleep apnea and determine if you need a machine or not their job is to ensure that you are in the best shape for this surgery so that their are no surprises.

[par1959 470]

During surgery they breath for you. Its after the surgery where lies the concern. There is concern that you could stop breathing after anestisia or the narcotic use for pain. Personally a CPAP is like a security blanket for me. Cant sleep or nap without it. However, getting use to a CPAP was difficult for me and others. It took at least a month. So, in my opinion if you have several months before surgery get the CPAP and learn to use it. If your surgery is sooner than that dont worry about it. I had the surgery on 5-28 and maybe got 2 hours sleep. I cant sleep on narcotics. In my case, the pain from surgery was minimal. I could have done it without pain killers. According to the nurses I had that is generally the case, but not for all.

[beeteroo 166]

I do anesthesia for a living and just tell your anesthesia provider that you have just been tested and that you have been diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea. Are you getting a cpap machine? If at all possible you should get one prior to surgery and bring it with you to the hospital to use while you are there. If they have determined that your sleep apnea is severe enough to use a cpap machine please use it!

Especially when you are on pain medications. Pain medications can increase your sleep apnea and I've actually read stories about people dying post operatively because of their untreated sleep apnea and pain medications. When I've got sleep apnea patients I make sure to tell them that they must wear their cpap postoperatively. I was lucky enough to not have to have a cpap machine so I don't know what one feels like but please wear one if they say you need it.

[Pamalamb 72]

My surgeon required the test and confirmed what I already suspected, I have it. It did not delay the surgery at all. However, they were very firm on bringing the cpap machine with me to the hospital. I wore it post op while I slept. I am sure they were concerned about what beeteroo was talking about. It was not a big deal at all. Come to think of it. They did want me to be using the cpap machine for a couple of weeks prior to surgery. Probably to get used to it. I now sleep with it every night and am so much better rested than I have been for years. They determined that I was waking up around 70 time an hour. So I guess it was pretty severe. I guess my point is, if you need it, don't be afraid to use it. It will improve your life.

[mentalistfan 189]

My appointment to sleep with the CPAP is July 1, I guess it's to see what it will be set on for me. So, just get the machine and tell the anesthesiologist that I have a machine, take it with me to surgery, and let them know what it's set on?