I'm day 5 post-op Lap RNY and having difficulty using my nasal mask c-pap!? I seem to feel it pushing on my internal sutures - suppose that's possible? I wake up and have removed the mask... back to those weird short of breath dreams that I had before the c-pap - so I KNOW I need it! Dr. wants me to wear it - can't heal nearly as well when running short of oxygen... I've had one or two occasions PRE-OP where I felt like I was swallowing air and was advised to use the chin strap to assure my mouth wasn't falling open. Keeping chin strap on was a real challenge too! I don't feel like I've swallowed air, really - no burping, but if anyone has any suggestions, I'd love to hear! I am dreading going to bed every night since I don't seem nearly as comforted by the c-pap as I was the first five months I wore it. I feel like this is a mental issue and hope someone else has "gone there before me" and can help me to deal with this issue! Thanks for any help! Angela in Oklahoma

I send so many thanks to my surgeon for requiring me to test and have the C-PAP. My surgery is coming up on the 29th and I feel so much more confident using the machine then before. I have had a few surgeries in the past where my oxygen level fell while under, so that is why this is so important. I love my C-PAP machine. I have only been using it for 3 days now, but I am sleeping like a baby, waking up only once during the night to use the restroom. What a wonderful difference in my energy level and being able to think and concentrate... I can only imagine how much better I will get.

I definitely think you should check it out. It effects the way anesthesia is administered as well. If your numbers drop to much due to an apnea event the anesthesiologist may think he has you under to far and lighten up on the dosage, leading to you possibly awakening during surgery (worst case scenario), or so I am told by those in the profession. Hope this helps, Kathie

That is so horrible that the insuarance company would do such a thing!!!! They should be soooo ashamed of themselves! I know that there are websites where you can find recycled ones pretty cheap but if you really can't afford one, talk to your PCP or take legal help against the insurance company. And check in your local area to see if they are programs that can help individuals like yourself....I wish I could do more and help but I am such a POOR college student.....Ii hope all works out and take care of yourself and kids.....god bless you Finda

Vicki, I had the same problem, and found that I opened my mouth in my sleep. I had my Dr order a chin strap for me. It's not very attractive, but it works.