Can We Talk About CPAP's and WLS?

[MitchieMay 27]

Are you using a CPAP machine? Has the surgery made a difference in your need for it? Any recommendations or thoughts about the ongoing need for it? Apparently, I snore like a Mack truck (so I am told).

I was diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea in 2011 and prescribed a CPAP machine. For reasons too lengthy to go into, I was completely non-compliant with using the machine. During this pre-surgical clearance I was referred back to a pulmonary specialist. Best thing that could've happened to me because he was so much more. On Saturday (Yes, 31 Oct) I started using the machine. I have done so every night since that date! What a difference it has made in my life, even in the short time. I sleep better (go figure). I have more energy. I am not craving chocolate. (that was the worse) And, I feel better in general. I feel like a poster child for the CPAP..and sound like one, I'm sure.

I would love to hear about your experiences and observations if you are/were using one post operatively. Thanks!

[toasty 371]

Back in 2007 I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea. My pulmonologist put me on a BiPAP (like a CPAP, but different pressures for inhaling and exhaling). I have used it continuously, every single night (even on the rare occasions when I take a nap), since then. I even take it with me when travelling; I have used it on a long flight.

That said, if I could get along without it I would be very happy. Going on camping trips is a hassle, getting authorization to use it on an airplane is a hassle, making sure I have power near my bed in hotels is a hassle, etc. So when I heard that after WLS some people stopped using it, I was very encouraged.

However, I saw my pulmonologist last week, and he told me that I might be able to reduce my pressure as I lose weight, but I will probably never be able to get off of it completely. The problem for me is that the opening between my epiglottis and my esophagus is too small, and when I lay down it closes down so air has a hard time getting through. The pressure from the BiPAP keeps the opening...open.

So, the answer is: it depends. You may be able to get rid of the CPAP if your physical characteristics allow it, but you also might not. You should talk to your pulmonologist to find out about your specific situation.

[Lallylocks 111]

Diagnosed with severe OSA in 2010 as part of the screening requirements for WLS. I wasn't surprised as I have snored terribly since I was a child, and from my teen years on have been told I stop breathing at times. Struggled horribly with daytime sleepiness. Used my CPAP religiously from the moment I got it. What an amazing difference that made! My known highest weight was 374. Surgery was Sept. 24, 2014 and I weighed 327. I am now just under 200. I stopped wearing my CPAP a few months ago because my mask is pretty thrashed, but also no longer fits! I had a sleep study done this summer as I was reluctant to buy a new mask if I no longer needed it. My partner told me I almost never snore now. The sleep study indicated my OSA is cured! Yay!

[MitchieMay 27]

Lallylocks, congratulations! You are doing so well! It is inspiring for newbies like me. So, between your and Toasty's comments I know just like everything else, it is a toss up. That is pretty much what my pulmonologist told me. But, I had to get some idea also from folks who have undergone a WLS. Thank you to both of you...fantastic!

[leanne1126 84]

I was started on my CPAP in January of this year as part of my presurgery process. I was only on 6mm of pressure. I had my surgery May 1st of this year and I'm currently doing a 30 day titration study to see if I can go off of it already. I have probably lost 80-90 lbs since I started it in January and the weight loss has made such a difference. My family tells me I no longer snore and I don't really notice a big difference when I sleep with the mask or not. Hopefully you can eventually get away from wearing it!

[newmebithebypass 713]

I was diagnosed with severe osa last year and have used my machine every night since I got it and don't think I'll ever be off it since I showed signs of osa as a child

[jdemzi 9]

I'm a respiratory therapist so this is what I do for a living. Ideally people are being prescribed machines that offer an auto titrating setting so your machine will titrate down your pressures as you lose weight, provided you aren't needing as high of pressures.

Instead of CPAP, it would be an APAP, and instead of being put on a pressure, you are prescribed a range, such as 5-15. Our pressure needs are always changing, so everyone should be on such a machine, IMHO. If you eat a big meal, if you are sick, if you gain weight, if you lose weight, different sleep stages, etc, all could cause us to need a different pressure than what was prescribed at the sleep study. So my advice would be to make an appointment with your Pulmonologist and asking about this possibility. I know for CPAP machines, an APAP machine is the same Medicare code, so the cost isn't any different. APAP is simply a mode available, as is CPAP. I can't say for certain if this is true for BiPAP. You can usually get a new machine every 5 years per insurance/Medicare guidelines.

[TipTop in TX 81]

When I went for my sleeve on 3-16-16, the anesthesiologist talked to me about my CPAP. I told him I had been using it for about 3-4 years. He took a look at my throat and said, when you lose your weight, you'll be able to come off of it. I guess it was my mouth anatomy he was checking out. That was really encouraging, so I will keep my fingers crossed he could tell that with just a look in my mouth.

[mngreeneyes 674]

I have a CPAP. I am on my second machine so its been about 6 or 7 years. I don't have severe sleep apnea, but I have been a world class snorer. Since surgery 5 months ago, I am off diabetes meds, high blood pressure meds, and am down 70 lbs. I haven't been evaluated yet, but I am guardedly hopeful that I will need to do a sleep study soon and can get off my machine. Fingers crossed! My surgeon and PA mentioned 12-18 months is the goal they have for me.

pam