Sleep Apnea and Lap Band Surgery Anyone have to use a CPAP machine?

[Summer87 0]

Hello,

I was just diagnosed with mild sleep Apnea, and my surgery is scheduled for Oct. 24th.

What kind of annoys me is that my surgeon did not order the sleep study!

I had to ask him to include a sleep study on the Preoperative testing orders even though during the initial consult I told him I snored, and was seriously tired all day. I know the surgeon has a strong reputation in the community, however, if I had not asked for the study then I would have had the surgery anyway and the doctors and nurses caring for me would have not idea that I have sleep apnea :omg:

Glad I was persistent!

My pulmonary doctor is recommending a sleep titration study before the surgery and then a CPAP machine.

I am a little disappointed as it appears I will have to re-schedule my surgery & the next available surgery date is mid December.

Did anyone else find out they have Sleep Apnea, and had to postpone surgery until the sleep titration study was completed?

Can anyone else share their experiences with sleep titration studies, and using a CPAP machine at the hospital when they had their surgery?

Has anyone ever used the hospital's CPAP machines instead of waiting for your own or is that even possible?

Sorry if I sound confused... I am new to all this!

[jimmie a 0]

sometimes they do it in 2 parts, they will hook up about 16-20 wire leads and monator while you sleep, the thing that bothered me the most was a tubing that went to my nose. then they might want to do a sleep test when you wear a mask. to get the pressure to set the machine. you might check with the hospital about the cpac , hope this helps a little.

[Liz500 0]

I had my sleep study before I decided to try for the Lapband so I did not have to wait for that test. I had 2 tests. The second was to find my titration level for the Bi-Pap. Years ago I had been tested and could not tolerate the Cpap. But they knew that and this time I ended up with the Bi-Pap I actually do use. It makes a big difference in how I feel. Check out the ResMed Mirage Swift II Mask and the Respironics BiPapAuto M Series with humidifier.

I couldn't bring my machine to the hospital but I brought the mask and tubing and they hooked me up to a machine in the hospital. It worked just fine. You need to supply them with your settings.

I was banded lst Tuesday, Oct. 2nd. So far so good.

Good kluck. Liz500

[stefgray 0]

I had to wait 30 days after I got my CPAP machine for my surgery. It worked out OK, though and I didn't have to reschedule my date. You should take your machine with you to the hospital because it's calibrated to your specific needs based on your titration study.

Had a follow-up with my sleep dr. last Thursday. She's getting me in for another study because I've lost so much weight. She's thinking I may not need the CPAP anymore! :-)

Steph

[marjon9 6]

I was on the CPAP before I became interested in the lap band, so I did not have to go through the same type of issues you have. I did not bring my CPAP to the hospital because there was no overnight stay required, and while I was unconscious they used a breathing tube, so I just left my CPAP at the hotel.

It's great that you were persistent about getting the test. In my case I resisted getting tested for a long time even though I was told that I stopped breathing at night for extended periods of time like 30 seconds, and even though I felt tired all the time. My wife was finally able to push me into getting tested and I'm very glad she did.

I know it is annoying to sort out the scheduling right now, but ultimately this is all probably some pretty good news because if you are seriously tired all day the CPAP will probably make a big positive difference in how you feel. It certainly did for me. There are very few things a person can do in life that are safe, legal, and healthy that can make that kind of immediate big difference in quality of life. And it is not just a matter of making you feel better. sleep apnea is extremely hard on your heart and, indeed, it can kill you. So it is really important to treat it. It even helps you lose weight because in general you have more energy.

Many people find that after they lose a lot of weight they can get rid of the CPAP. That will be great if and when it happens. But in the meantime, it is actually good news that you have the diagnosis and will get the treatment. Even if you have to wait until December for surgery, that will be here before you know it.

[Summer87 0]

Thanks for your reply!

From what I understand it more important to bring your mask with you to the hospital, and the hospital can then program your correct settings on their machine (correct me if I am wrong).

And

The only way to get accurate settings is to have the sleep titration study.

I understand a lot more now...thanks everyone for your support on this!

[Telecia 1]

One thing Ive noticed is allot of doctors don't seem to take sleep apnea seriously. I was diagnosed with severe apnea 12 years ago. And I've lived with my machine (3 now actually) Ever since.

And after I was diagnosed at IU Med center. I came home and my family doctor had NO CLUE about apnea and was at least wise enough to contact the Med center and get educated.

I have had to change doctors 6 times in the last 5 years cause none of them ever took my sleep apnea seriously. I would ask to get retested. And they would blow me off.

Sad part is I ended up having to adjust my own machine as my weight fluctuated.

Anyhow I haven't been banded yet but ive had a couple surgerys and several hosptial stays since and they ALWAYS make me bring in my own machine/mask etc. Most times they will get you a new mask/tubbing but they don't keep tons of apnea machines handy. And often people have a hard time adjusting to a new machine.

surgerys. my appendix they put me on my cpap the moment I was put into recovery. I woke up with it on.

When I had my c-section I was awake (Epidiural SP?) They had it beside me in recovery but I didn't need it since I was awake the whole time. But it was there if felt sleepy.

Since yours is mild they may or may not want you to bring it with. During the surgery they will probably tube you and you wont need it then. So ask your doctor about it.

And i gotta say I HATE sleep tests. the stuff they attach the leads with on your head can take up to a week to wash out. And My skin breaks out under the leads they place everywhere else. And then it takes a day or two to get the adhesive off my skin.

The last one they wanted me in at 8pm! Which is a serious problem for me since I go to bed at 7AM and get up at 4PM .. LOL. :tired

But honestly As long as It kept me sleeping well. I'd put up with a study 4 times a year if I had to. Simply cause when I'm sleep deprived or not sleeping well I am totally miserable and sick:sick

[enzochiefs 0]

I have it sleep Apnea. I had to see 9 doctors before i could been lap banded. I had to spend 1 night in the hosptial to see. So now I sleep with a machine and I had to bring it when I had my surgery. Which I am lucky I dont have to pay for my machine.