Will Sleep apnea hold up surgery?

I have just been diagnosed with moderate sleep apena, I am having roux en y shortly the doctor doing my surgery wanted me to follow up with the sleep study and now that i have been diagnosed I'm worried it might hold up my surgery. The sleep doctor told me there's a good chance that my surgery and weight loss will stop my sleep apena, but wants me to buy a machine I just can't see spending that money when I'm going to lose weight.  Does anyone know if I don't get the machine will they still do the surgery?

Are you worried that your sleep doctor will not give you clearance for weight loss surgery? 

I too was diagnosed with mild sleep apnea and told to bring my CPAP to the hospital the day of surgery. My surgeon had to have the pulmonary physician who diagnosed the apnea clear me before I could have the WLS. The CPAP machine will help to give you quality sleep in order to heal from your surgery. In addition, the anesthesiologist will need to know you have sleep apnea.

IN SPITE of my losing 120 pounds, I still have sleep apnea and have had my CPAP setting increased since my surgery and needed it! Sleep apnea kills!

Diana

My doctor has told me that I must use the CPap for 2 months prior to surgery, primarily because those with untreated (no CPap) sleep apnea have a hard time getting off of the ventilator after surgery.  I sure don't want to wake up with a big fat tube down my windpipe and in the ICU.  If your MD is not requiring the CPAP I would still get one because it will take time for you to lose the weight so that the severity of your sleep apnea is reduced.  My insurance covered 80% - I had to pay $140.

My problem now is that I can't find a mask that I can sleep with.  I have tried a nasal mask but I cant get enough air through my nostrils even with twice daily nasal rinsing.  A full face mask has been to claustrophobic for me.  I am now working with a oral mask that doesn't cover the nose.  It is a little weird.  The mask covers the mouth and there are two tubes that go up to the nose and getting them to seal around the edges of the nostril is tricky.  We will see how this goes.

I thought losing the required weight before surgery was going to be my biggest issue, but I think it my be the CPap.

Good luck to you from a long-term sleep apnea sufferer.

Mark

Hi Mark,
 I am in the very beginning stages of  preparing for Lapband surgery.  I have mild to moderate sleep apnea and have been told my pulmonologist that after 30-40 lbs of weight loss I should be able to get rid of the machine.  Like you I have had the hardest time getting a mask that I can live with.  I have a drawer filled with maybe 10-12 masks that I could not wear.  I fall asleep with no problem but I pull the mask off every night no matter what and I do not even know I am doing it!  My pulmonologist told me it is a very common problem.  I have one now that has nasal pcs only and it is the best of the worst for me.  I feel your pain!!  We have to just look forward to the day that we can chuck that dreaded machine...   Good luck....

               Lois

Thanks, Lois.  I appreciate your support.  I am giving my self the deadline of June 30th to get comfortable with the CPap mask.  I am going to give it a very strong effot.

Mark

I've had a CPAP for about 3 years and sleep significantly better with the mask. 

I'm guessing my sleep apena is moderate - my pressure is at 10. 

The weight loss for the RNY I've heard comes faster (I just got a lap band), but I'm willing to bet that you'll sleep better and feel better in the mornings/afternoons for exercise.  

Have you checked in to renting a machine? Also did they tell you if you have Obstructed Airway apena or Central Sleep Apnea, or the combination?

Oh, and to answer your question - I suppose you'd have to ask your doctor if it'll hold up your surgery.


 

I got tested for sleep apnea as part of the WLS process as many others have.  I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea.  I stop breathing 44 times per hour.  I am so glad i got the cpap machine.  i was sleeping way too much  and tired all the time.  Yes there is a delay to my surgery of 8 weeks.  I have kaiser, they want you to be on the cpap for 2 months before surgery.   but i still had 10 pounds to lose as well, so the wait for me is no big deal.  Good things come to those who wait.  

I  am  having  the  sleep  study  this  week.  I  hope  it  does not  hold  up my  surgery.  It  is  the  last  test  before  I  can  set  a  surgery  date.   I  will  be  so  disappointed  if  it  does delay surgery.  I  am  ready  to  get  it  done.  If  WLS  cures  the  sleep apnea  why do  you  need  to  have  the  machine?