Question:
How does sleep apnea and use of C-PAP affect your hospital stay/recovery?

I have used a C-PAP machine for a little over a month ago as recommended by my Pulmonary specialist due to results of a sleep study which was ordered by my Bariatric Surgeon. Do I need to expect to spend some time in ICU because of this? Will this make the surgery more dangerous for me? What are the possible complications this could cause?    — Chris M. (posted on June 17, 1999)

June 17, 1999
sleep apnea is a common problem in overweight people.....it forces your heart to work harder for less oxygen causing a multitude of problems ...the cpap is very benign therapy and after 3 years i can't sleep without it. the difference in my health after cpap was tremendous and after my surgery i had my cpap on with additional oxygen to keep my levels over 92.....i had no trouble at all....i weighed 360 at 5ft tall and not one complication!! i also have asthma and that was also fine....the cpap keeps your oxygen up and aids healing... and the real key is to MOVE...turn ,turn ,turn... all my surgeon's patients go to the ICU....and when you leave there its out of bed and strut your stuff!!!!
   — LINDA L.

June 18, 1999
I had severe, debillitating apnea. My CPAP was the highest setting they coudl get it. I was a WRECK. I was in ICU for 2 nights, which was wonderful! My apnea is long gone, of course. Been 5 years since surgery. My husband is a year behind me and he also had apnea, but not to the degree I did. But again, he & his CPAP spent the first nigiht in ICU. Gone right away for him. Bring your CPAP. Your mask fits YOU. Your calibration is correct. You can work the settings even in a fog. Bring your own.
   — vitalady

June 19, 1999
I used a C-Pap before, during, and after my RNY surgery. It was no problem during my hospital stay. In fact, if your mask is like mine it has a couple of ports on the lower part of it. Those ports can be used for your oxygen intake post-op. The hospital I was in required the staff engineer to review any electrical device you need during your stay. I did this during my pre-admit meeting.
   — Ken C.

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