Sleep apnea & bariatric surgery

[Danni Jo 1]

The results of my sleep study showed mild sleep apnea. The mild range is 5-15. I scored 6.5. My surgery is supposed to be in 2 weeks but I don't know if they'll make me treat it first. Anyone know what range of apnea they require CPAP treatment for? Is it possible I'd still be approved for surgery since it's such a mild case? The sleep clinic said it will more than likely clear up with weight loss. Thanks for any info you may have. I just don't want to wait the long holiday weekend without an idea since I won't hear from my surgeon until next week probably.

[SlimChickadee 219]

I have sleep apnea and was cleared for surgery in one day! You will be fine i'm sure! Good luck!

[Losingit2018 1,170]

I may be mistaken but I think that the people I have seen talk about being required to treat ahead of surgery were required by their insurance to do so. You may want to call your insurance company on Friday to find out.

Good luck!

Edited November 28, 2019 by Losingit2018

[AZhiker 2,253]

My insurance just wanted to see my co-morbidities. sleep apnea was definitely a documented issue, and so they approved the surgery. They didn't care if I was under treatment or even if I had purchased a machine.

[catwoman7 11,221]

mine was a 6. The PA at my surgeon's office said with that mild a case, he wouldn't bother getting a CPAP because it was likely to clear up after I'd lost 20 lbs or so. My insurance company never said anything. I also had pretty bad arthritis that was almost certainly exacerbated by my weight, so the insurance may have counted that instead - although since my BMI was WAY over 35, I really didn't need to have co-morbidities to qualify.

[catwoman7 11,221]

P.S. the answer to your question may depend on your insurance company. Mine didn't care - but yours might.

[Danni Jo 1]

Thanks everyone! My insurance doesn't cover the surgery so I'm paying out of pocket though I did find a great deal at a reputable hospital near me. So I don't have to worry about insurance approvals which has been so nice! When the sleep clinic called me with my results she said I would benefit from treatment but their first available appointment is the end of March! Ugh! She also said since it's so low I'd probably be fine for surgery and that it would likely clear up after losing 10% of my weight. But it's not up to her. So fingers crossed my surgeon approves the surgery without requiring cpap. The surgery was supposed to be in December so I'm just anxious. I'm so ready!!!