I HAVE SLEEP APNEA AND I'M CONSIDERING RNY

Hi everybody, I'm Fred and ive had sleep apnea for over 5 years now I've tried the CPAP machine but I can't stand having the mask on my face those of you who have used it know what I mean. What I would like to know is after your RNY did your sleep apnea go away after you lost weight and also if anybody use to smoke did you stop after the surgery or if you didn't stop how did it affect your health. Thanks everybody freddie

Hi Fred. Seems we are neighbors. I have sleep apnea and have used a cpap for years. I actually got to the point where I couldn't fall asleep without my cpap. There is a new mask available that doesn't cover the entire nasal area. It is a bar that goes under the nose and blows the air in almost like a canula for oxygen. It is more comfortable than the other mask. I don't wake with marks on my face every morning. I thin that my apnea is nearly gone. I had my surgery in October of 06. My pulminologist wanted to wait for the repeat sleep study til my weight seemed more stable. I think I am near that point now. Yes, I did quit for the surgery. Stressors and my weakness prevailed however, and I am smoking once again. Good luck! Aime

I have sleep apnea and have the nose mask, not the full mask. I use the ramp up system so it is easier to fall asleep. One thing I found interesting is that I asked my doctor if the weight loss would take care of the sleep apnea and she said not necessarily. I was told that most people who have sleep apnea inherit this trait from their parents. They have it from birth, but it is not until middle age (sorry, it hurt my feelings too) that symptoms start to show up, the snoring, fatigue, etc. I had a bad EKG that tipped off the doctors to the sleep study necessity. I was only getting 60 percent oxygen with the normal being 97 percent. At that low rate, your brain and your heart are affected and lack of concentration and fatigue set in. So, while I am looking forward to life changes with weight loss after my surgery, I'm not necessarily going to be able to give up the CPAP. We may be friends for life.

hi Freddie: I am also considering the RNY, and I also have sleep apnea, and have had it for almost 5 yrs now. I wear the nose plugs, and I am not fond of it, but my husband encourages me to wear it every night. Also many people told me that some doctors will not give the surgeries if u are a smker, because of respirtory problems. I stopped smoking 6 yrs ago. Take care, Deb

they are called nose pillows...didnt work for me.