sleep apnea and other tests

How important is it to get tested for that? I don't think I have it, but people say I should get tested... well the test is gonna run about $350 outta pocket.... I mean, yes I admit... I snore... but I really dont think its sleep apnea though....

also, another question... I am currently due for my year pap test... will they make me get it before surgery, or does that have nothing to do with it? ( hope this wasn't a lame question) I just don't want that holding me back from my surgery!

I think what tests you have to have depend on what your surgean thinks is important for you.  Most of it is standard, but he may make additional choices depending on your needs.  I did not have to have a pap smear or a sleep apnea test.

I had to have the test in order to get approved for surgery, as I had to have two co-morbidities. I didn't plan to buy the machine as my portion was a few hundred dollars, but my surgeon would not do the surgery unless I had it at the hospital. The stupid thing was is they had me on oxygen most of time, therefore really did not have a chance to use. I now do not snore and my doctor thinks I don't have it anymore. Good luck on the process.

thanks.... I'm hoping to get a consult with my surgeon this week, and I guess I will just have to ask him his take on it.... He will probably make me test just in case... I just don't think I have it though, but who knows!

I snored preop. I asked the gatekeeper doc at my local medical group about a sleep apnea test. He said most big people do have sleep apnea, but they weren't going to require I get tested preop. My surgeon (out of network) didn't require it. Postop, 146 pounds lighter, I don't snore anymore.

If you're going to see your regular doc for cardiac clearance, etc. and he/she will do it, it probably would be good to get your PAP done and over with. But I've never heard of them requiring it for WLS.

I got my PAP when I went in to get an IUD preop. The surgery makes some of us fertile Myrtles and I didn't want to get preggers immediately postop.

Best of luck with all the preop hurdles!!

I don't think they will require a pap test, but I have read some have required a sleep apnea test. It just depends on your surgeon. I had that test done a few years ago and I did not stop breathing enough to matter but the doctor said my snoring was caused by the weight. I thought I would have to lose a lot of weight before I stopped snoring but as soon as I had the surgery I stopped snoring. My DH was really happy as he had to wear ear plugs to sleep. Oh and don't worry there are  no "lame" questions. We are here to support each other and part of that is answering questions. So please don't ever be afraid of ask anything.

I had to have a sleep apnea test because the surgeon ordered it for me... and I agree.. the surgeon chooses tests that are applicable for your situations. Some of my friends had different tests than I did.  In my case it was a good thing because I had "very severe sleep apnea" stopped breathing 99 times an hour.  And therefore they watched me differently during the surgery and I was in ICU for one night to be monitored after it.  However, It was really only for monitoring.. I was up and walking around there  a couple hours after surgery.  It was nice to have my own big private room there though :)  

One of my friends husbands died of sleep apnea last year at age 40, so it is something to be considered seriously should you have it. 

I agree with the others.. I didn't have to have a pap before surgery, it wasn't part of the testing.

Good luck with it all.. I know what you mean not wanting to hold back surgery...  Go for it girl!

Hugs,

Jackie

 I have Kaiser and I have orientation this coming Sunday the 27th. I haven't found out yet if I have to take a test for sleep apnea, but I did have to get a PAP test before even getting the pre-orientation orientation. I wasn't even due to take the test for another 2 years, but it's a Kaiser requirement I guess since everyone else said they didn't have to get one. Oh lucky me. lol