PLEASE DO NOT BE STUPIDLY STUBBORN LIKE ME !!!

 Prior to having RNY on 11-14-2000, tests revealed that I have sleep apnea and need to use a C-PAP machine.  The surgeon even had me bring my own machine with me to the hosp.  I weighed about 575 ( who cares exactly how much you weigh at that weight?)  Anyway, the surgery , although dangerous was a success.  But, I never bothered to tell anyone that I stopped using the C-PAP machine about 2-3 months later because I didn;t like the noise it made.  Poo, poo.  I was so sorry for myself.  I didn't have to worry about getting back to work because I was already receiving a federal disability pension due to a mental condition.

Things went along swimmingly for years.  I did need an RNY revision due to a staple line disruption and that was done on 01-21-05.  My original weight goal was about 310 and I made it down to 335 before my weight started to creep up.  I eventually got back to 425 when I had the revision.  I guess everyone assumed I was using the C-PAP or I may have lied about using it.

Fast Forward to 3 years ago and my primary doc started to grill me about using the C-PAP.  I finally admitted that I hadn't used it since shortly after the first RNY. He noted how stubborn I am and said that I now have an atrial fibrilation and it may be due in part to not using the C-PAP.  He put me on blood thinners and explained the dangers of not using the C-PAP and the subsequent danger of having a Stroke.  He got my attention but I only used the C-PAP occasionally--like I said I'm stupidly stubborn or stubbornly stupid.

Fast Forward to last weekend.  Staring out on the Wed before New Year's, I started feeling "funny."  This feeling continued on Thurs, Fri, and Sat but I din't mention it to my wife because I didn't want to sadden her as she had plans with her mother and brother.  I'm handicapped and prefer to stay home and watch football.  Once my wife's relatives left on Sun I told my wife my problem.  I already had a prior scheduled appointment with my shrink for Wed so I had my wife come with me.  

I told him the delusions I was having, that I was sleep deprived, and that I didn't know if my delusions and occasional nausea were because of my lack of sleep or if they had caused it.  

He cooked over my notes and asked me whether I was using my C-PAP machine.  I told him that I did on rare occassions.  He said I should be using it every night.  He looked over his notes and records for the past few years and said that I had consistently answered him the same way.  He said that he would be willing to continue to be my psychiatrist and prescribe my meds for manic depression.  However, he said that we're just delaying the inevitable early death unless I change my behavior beginning with using the C=PAP.  He said that I was "merely" sleep deprived this time.  However, he said my life is in danger unless I can lose anther 50-60 lbs ASAP.  He suggested Lap-band surgery but my wife is appalled.  she doen't want to take care of me through another recovery period--I do act hopeless when I am sick.  I explained that the lap band is a relatively quick procedure (When I had my first RNY, I was hospitalized for a week prior to the RNY and remained there for 3 weeks after the RNY.  I was taken home by medical transport for 65 miles.., in a hospital bed at home for 5 mos, and even then had to have a nurse come and see me weekly.  My wife who detests nursing but loves me (for some reason) Took on those additional nursing duties..  You'd think those memories would drive me to compliance with my docs' orders.  Nope and I felt like crap last week.  

I even contacted come people (more than 1) on OH and said things I'll regret for years.  I'm ashamed of my behavior. It all could have been avoided if I had kept using my CPAP.  Now I'm even using it when I feel  a little drowsy and might fall asleep while watching tv.. Bob

Wow...lesson learned here..I don't know why men are so against listening to doctor's orders but I know my man is..there isn't much a wife can do with that..she can't force you..like I can't force my dear hubby..you just love them no matter what...and purchase another life insurance policy, i guess. KIDDING..JUST KIDDING..

Do better. People count on you to do better..

I thought my husband would do the same thing you did with the C-PaP.  He had needed it for years but refused to tell the Doc.  Luckily our insurance would pay for it ONLY IF he used it 75% of the time the first month.

I think the insurance requirement helped him to use it through the getting adjusted time.  Now he LOVES it becuase he feels so much better.

The C-PaP should give you the weight loss boost you need.  Try to go back to the basics, lay off the carbs, go back to protein and thigs that don't pass easily through the pouch.

I am over 7 years out, have had a BIG regain and am now trying to "go back"  So far it's worked, I lost 24# last month :-)  I am literaly eating like I did when I was first out  Protein shakes, meat and veggie.  When I eat supper, I stop when I feel full.  (which is a LOT less than you would think)  Without the carbs, drinking with meals, and candy sliding through I feel full.   That's it.  I never dumped but was able to keep 150# off for 5 years then all hell broke loose.  I'm working again now!

Good luck for you and keep with the C-PaP.  It will help you loose weight!

 The C-pap gives energy and lets you have a life. I use mine every night, and I have a spare just to make sure. Sleep deprivation is one reason for being overweight and visa-versa. You can't lose if you are acting like a couch potato.

  You have allowed yourself the notion tha****ching TV and being catered to is a good life. There is so much to savor in life, much of it outside your present domain. Set some goals to be able to enjoy some of it.