Did they have you do a sleep study pre-op? Think I have sleep apena. But not sure.

I think I may have sleep apnea, but I am not for sure.

I am very overweight. I am always tired... but I don't know if it's because of my weight or sleep apnea. Took a vacation with my family last summer and my mom who is a nurse said it sounded like I might have sleep apnea. She said I snore very loudly and sounded like my dad. My dad has severe sleep apnea. And so does my grandpa.

I wonder if I should request a sleep study? Let it go? I have been approved but haven't had any pre-op testing yet. It is something I am worried about... but I'm not sure if they will test for it anyway? Or if I should call my regular doctor and request to be tested?

I would be willing to do an amateur sleep study for you! I had sleep apnea before my WLS. It has diminished since I lost all the weight. I would think that having the data that you do in fact have sleep apnea will improve your chances of insurance coverage. besides it would be nice to know that it is gone after you lose the weight as well. So when would you like that study?

Lol. An amateur sleep study?

I am already approved. but I'll have to ask when I go for pre-op testing.

I have not been approved for surgery yet but my surgeon requires a pulmonary clearance prior to the paper work being submitted--with that he has also requested a sleep study. 

Since you've already been approved, I'd speak with your PCP about it.

A sleep study was required as part of my hospital's approval process and it was the BEST thing I ever did. I found out that I was exhausted all the time, drinking a couple of pots of coffee a day just to scrape by, NOT because I was a single mom of three working night shift and going to school during the day, but BECAUSE I had moderate sleep apnea.

I tell you, Sparkling_Dawn, the first night I wore the CPAP mask was a little weird, but the next morning I woke up AND I FELT GREAT!!!! Plus, if you do have sleep apnea, they have you bring your CPAP with you to the hospital so you can get the best possible sleep quality during your recovery. It makes a huge difference.

I used the mask for about a year after the surgery, and by then had lost so much weight that the condition was cured. That may not happen with everyone, especially if there's a hereditary tendency toward sleep apnea, but if I were you I would totally pursue it. It changed my life and I felt so ENERGIZED with the sleep I was able to get while using the CPAP.

I was reluctant to having the sleep study done at first. However, I was glad they did it when the study showed that i was waking about 56 times an hour! not enough to remember- but enough so that I wasn't getting proper rest.

The reason that study was done: Dr. Clarke explained that NORMALLY our bodies response when we STOP breathing is to WAKE US- sometimes gasping for air. However- after surgery our bodies have been affected by the PAIN MEDICATION and ANESTHESIA which DULLS that normal response. SO- while in the hospital not so much of a problem because of being constantly monitored but.... when you get home.... still have lingering residue of anesthesia and diminished response that could spell BIG TROUBLE. (NOT WAKING UP TO BREATHE ^v-^-v_________________!)

[that is a very bad representation of a heart monitor going flatline.....]

I would regularly wake up with morning headaches. when I would sit down to watch the morning news and read the paper- I would fall back asleep holding the paper in front of my face.

No longer do I have these morning headaches. still napping during day from time to time but my sleep is still disturbed because of a small amount of pain when turning at night. when I finally lose all the weight that I'm going to lose- we are going shopping for a NEW MATTRESS- that should help also!