Hello everone.
I have been trying to get WLS for quite some time, and as part of the process my doctor had me do a sleep study last spring. I was really anxious about it because I thought I had it, but didn't want to know. I used to be a CNA and I associate sleep apnea with sick, elderly, and bed bound bariatric patients. I've always been overweight, over 200 lbs since I was 12. Anyway, I found out I have moderate/severe sleep apnea, I am supposed to use a CPAP machine with the setting 18.5 (if anyone knows what that means, cause I don't) The air blows so strong I have to have the mask so tight that it gives me an instant headache in order to keep if from leaking air. I have severe depression and anxiety issues, and the mask makes it worse. The straps cover my entire head and the mask goes from right under my chin over my mouth and up to the bridge of my nose. I hate it. I have finally worked up where I usually can wear it all night (after the hour or so it takes to adjust it/relax with it on and get to sleep). I feel so ashamed that I have to have it. I don't want to tell my family or my friends about it, I'm already the fat girl of all my groups, this is just one more thing. And I don't feel any better yet. My doctor told me it would help with my headaches, depression, reduce my tiredness and maybe even help with my weightloss efforts if I treat my sleep apnea. But so far, nothings better. I guess I just want to know that I'm not the only young person out there experiencing this (i'm 29, feels too young for all this!) and whether or not it gets better. Also, any tips on dealing with the mask...I wear glasses, and I can't wear them with my mask, which means no reading before bed (often I'll read till I fall asleep). I'm sorry if I sound whinny, I just don't know what to do. :-(
thanks
Heather S.

When the doctor submits the claim for approval to the insurance company and one of the co-morbidities is sleep apnea, do they just say you have it or do they need the back up information to support their findings? I have sleep apnea, but I'm worried it is not severe enough to get approved from insurance.

I hope you get approved! I just had my cpap titration last night, and the mask is going to take some getting used to. I hope I wont need it for long though! I am waiting to hear on my appeal...I hate waiting...Amanda

Congradulations on your sleep apnea !!!! I know the bitter/ sweet emotion related to this diagnosis. I too, was just told that I have sleep apnea, and was told that my insurance will normally approve surgery with this co-morbidity. My information was just sent into the insurance for approval. I am going nuts waiting on the reply. Anyways... Good luck

I do it from time to time, especially when my nasal congestion is at its worse. Sometimes I can't use it if my nasal membranes are swollen. I feel like I'm suffocating.