My pressure was 7.   My surgeon said to absolutely NOT use it during the recovery process after surgery because of the air that it forces into the abdomen.  It made sense to me so I never even questioned it.  When I went back for my 6-week follow-up I had already lost enough weight that I didn't need it anymore.

I had that suffocating feeling at first too, but it was from having my mouth open while wearing it.   The key to the CPAP is to keep your mouth closed and it took me a long time to get there.  They even have a chin strap that goes with the mask if you need it.  My mom has one on hers.  Getting used to it and being able to sleep with it was a matter of forcing myself to use it no matter what.   Once I got used to it, I was amazed at how much better I felt.  I slept, soundly and peacefully which was such a wonderful change after struggling for so long.

I'm impressed that he was able to sleep with the CPAP.  THey delivered my CPAP yesterday and I tried to sleep for 2 hours and couldn't fall asleep as I felt like I was sufficating!!!!  Mine is only set on 4 and the salesman gave me a "Swift for Her LT headgear"  It has only a nasal mask the has 2 holes and goes under your nostrils....It felt comfortable, but becasue the pressure is so low I keep opening my mouth to breath or have to push out my nose REALLY hard to not feel like I am sufficating. (My ears were even popping.)  Do you have any suggestions.....I had no apparent sleep problems before and sleep very well without it, but II can't feel like I am dying.....FYI I did sleep during the sleep study but the pressure must have been higher while I was falling asleep b/c i couldnt really open my mouth.
Any suggestions would be great!  I only have 3 weeks until my surgery and I can't go in like this.

BTW, it took over a month between my CPAP sleep study and the machine arriving yesterday.

Who was the one doctor? In order I would trust a bariatric surgeon (who is familiar with your type of surgery), then a sleep specialist, and nobody else.

I know of many people who went in for bariatric surgery and used their CPAP while in the hospital, so I tend not to believe this is dangerous.

I had my surgery 6/30. I didn't use it in the hospital but I have used it for some of the night here at home.  I haven't yet kept it on all night.  But I am at least getting 4 or 5 good hours a night.  I can see a difference.  I wish I didn't throw it off but it's so annoying.

Kelly

Hi there

I have had diagnosed sleep apnea for about a year now.  I had my RNY on March 13, 2009.  Even -75 lbs i still use it.  I will have to have a sleep study to see when i can be rid of it.  You mentioned you barely sleep now, that is probably because of the apnea.  Believe me, once you get, and get used to it, you will not want to sleep without it.  Sleep apnea is very serious, it causes heart damage, etc.  I would get it, chances are you will need it for a bit especially since they said you were moderate to severe which is what i was diagnosed with.  Good luck with that and your upcoming surgery.


Louise