Question about CPAP machines

Is there anyone on this list who has had gastric bypass surgery, had sleep apnea, was on a CPAP machine before surgery and after surgery who had to stay on their CPAP machine? My research showed that nearly everybody eventually got off of their machine. Pre surgery, I was 490 pounds. Had surg 5/31/05 and am down to 372 pounds. I have about 130 more to lose, but I just really need some help with this issue. I'm having to rent another machine for a month so the pressure on the machine can be adjusted and it's just a bit of a hassle plus. Thanks, Scott

My wife had sleep apnes pretty bad and used the cpap a litle while after surgery, but after about 3 months she was off of it. Maybe as you lose more weight you can get off of it too. Her pcp and her surgeon told her to use cpap if she felt she needed it. They left it up to her own judgement. As you lose weight and your bmi gets smaller the need for the cpac will lessen as well. We were both diabetics pre-op, now our pcp says we are not even diabetic anymore. Losing all that helps just really helps your body.

Scott, Outstanding question, however I do not have a definite answer. I have some opinions... I have been on a CPAP for over 13 years. At my highest I weighed 315. I have had all of the surgeries for the nose, throat etc to reduce the effects and danger of the APNEA. My advice is get a ENT (Ear Nose and Throat) Dr if you dont have one. Let them prescibe a sleep study to determine where you are at with the pressure and the need. More people die every year from lack of or improper use of CPAP machines. I as of todays Dr appt have lost over 113 lbs and I am still on the machine. Please forgive me if I sound harsh, but you have come a long way to make a decision based on renting the machine, or so it seems. Which brings up another question.. Is your inurance not covering the cost of the rental? If not, post a message for anyone that has one they arent using and buy or borrow it from them. I personally have two, an older model from 1993 and a newer one from 2002. I am going to have another sleep study done in Nov - Dec time frame, however I may not be able to get off the machine due to airway obstruction, not so much the weight anymore. Call your PCP and get a referal to a ENT and let them deide for you, please dont make a decision based on rental cost, I know it is expensive and I hate to for lack of a better word toss money out the window if you dont have to but let them check you out. And congrats on the weight loss~! And I wish you the best in dropping your 130+. I have no doubt you will get there soon. Gevin RNY 06-01-05 314.5/202/146

Hey Scott, I don't have any information on the CPAP stuff but just wanted to say CONGRATS on the weightloss!!! You go ....er... Boy! (I dont think you'd iappreciate it if I siad you go girl.. ha!) I noticed that we had surgery on the same day! I thought that was kinda cool! I have lost about 130 pounds since surgery and now I'm finding it a little more challenging to keep the weight coming off. I just started a new job, and so now I have the task of finding a new gym and having the discipline to get my smaller butt there! Keep up the good work Scott! I know you are even now enjoying the newer healthier you! Isnt it grand when you can do something now that you couldnt do a year ago? It is such a wonderful gift back isnt it? Enjoy your special wow moments... they are such a rush! Ardie

Scott, I am a sleep tech and I can tell you that sometimes even the skinniest person has sleep apnea. Weight is a factor but another big factor is the length and thickness of your neck. Short, thick necked people have a higher incidence of apnea. Other factors like COPD and CHF also contribute. Alot of people who lose wt don't get off their CPAP machines but they will most likely need less pressure. I know a lot of people say lose wt and you will no longer need it ever. It is a good incentive to lose wt but not always accurate. As you lose more wt things might change, never give up hope!