Question:
Has anyone had to wait months before getting a sleep study appointment?

My first consultation for WLS was the beginning of August. The end of September I had my psychological and passed. Had to wait until 10/26 for an appointment for sleep apnea, and now I'm told I'll have to go for a sleep study but they can't get me an appointment until February. This is a big disappointment for me as I am more than ready in my mind to have the WLS, and a bit depressing as well. Can anybody relate?    — Linda S. (posted on October 28, 2001)

October 28, 2001
I too was told I had to wait months for an appointment. I looked into independent sleep labs vs hospital labs and found one that accepted my insurance and got in in two weeks instead of 4 months. Look into independent labs if you haven't already......
   — [Anonymous]

October 28, 2001
I think I'd be looking around. Sleep apnea is considered a FATAL breathing disorder. Mine was severe enough that I was told not to drive home from the sleep clinic AND my CPAP was delivered the next day. This can't wait forever. 2 weeks, OK. Not half a year!
   — vitalady

October 28, 2001
When my pluminarologist suspected I had sleep apena she gave me the name of the clinic to scheduled my appointment. She had called them in advance and told them to get me an appt asap. I was scheduled the following friday. I agree with the others 2 weeks maybe, anything more FORGET ABOUT IT ask you doctor to find you another clinic.
   — Gwen M.

October 28, 2001
when i was making my appt., the hosp. i usually go two had a two month wait list so i called several hospitals in the area, and withoin five minutes, i found a hosp. that was able to do the sleep study within one week. You have to be persistant. Good luck
   — blank first name B.

October 28, 2001
i waited 7 months...
   — carou1313

October 28, 2001
yes i had to wait for 3 months but fortunately i could have the wls surgery anyway......i recently completed my test AFTER having surgery but it seems im still having probs as they want me to come back so i can be reevaluated for some reason.
   — [Anonymous]

October 28, 2001
Thanks to all of you who answered so quickly. I will take the good advice and assert myself that I need the study done much sooner than the February date. I had assumed that the study was needed prior to approval for WLS, but perhaps my assumption was wrong. Tomorrow I will call the Bariatric Center for verification. Once again, thanks to you all.
   — Linda S.

February 7, 2002
I had it done for me during a hospital visit for anotehr reason and they had me a machine the same day, get a full face Mirage mask for best fit. Stay away from nose masks, the make you mouth blow open.
   — Jeremy B.