Question:
How does having sleep apnea differ from not having sleep apnea

during surgery and for recovery?    — Happy B. (posted on November 14, 2001)

November 13, 2001
I had sleep apnea...not severe...but enough to prevent quality sleep. Prior to my wls, I couldn't sleep with my head on a normal pillow. Doing so caused me to stop breathing and I'd wake up coughing and gagging for breath. I either slept in my recliner which left me stiff and achy all day or I elevated my head with two of the fat pillows from my couch. I would still wake up once or twice a night gasping for breath. The lack of REM sleep left me a bit spacey all day and I was always exhausted and increasingly short tempered which was recking havoc with my personal relationships. Amazingly, my sleep apnea just vanished once I had lost 40 or 50lbs. I lost weight rapidly in the beginning; so, I lost 50lbs. in the first three months. Three months...maybe a little sooner.. after my rny, I was sleeping normally...in my bed...on one regular pillow.... and I was sleeping peacefully throughout the night. My whole body felt wonderful and my mood brightened. Sometimes I'm still in awe that I can drift off to sleep at 10 or 11pm and not wake up until my alarm goes off!!!! Ahhhh the joy of a good night's sleep...........
   — [Anonymous]

November 14, 2001
I don't have sleep apnea but a friend who was in surgery with me at the time does. I went straight to a room where as he had to spend the night in ICU. I also have a friend having surgery today and she was told she will have to go to ICU and it is due to apnea. Hope that helps KElly
   — Kelly C.

November 14, 2001
I've been instructed that I MUST bring my c-pap with me to the hospital when I have surgery (Jan/Feb 2002), and I'll be using it all the time I'm there.
   — [Deactivated Member]

November 22, 2001
I had that 'and' acid reflux pre op. Thankfully at 6 months post op I have'nt had ETHER of them again. Don't know if it will last but it's been a relief. ;)
   — Danmark

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