Question:
How long do I have to be on the C-Pap machine before I am scheduled?

I was just diagnosed with sleep apnea yesterday, I get my C-Pap tomorrow. I need to know how long you need to be on the C-Pap before they will schedule you for surgery? I am with Pacific Bariatrics in San Diego, CA. -Thanks    — Erinn D. (posted on September 11, 2003)

September 11, 2003
My surgeon wanted me on it for 6 weeks, but I didn't need to wait that long until I scheduled. I called them the day I got the machine and had everything else been in order, they would have scheduled me at the end of my 6 week window. However, every surgeon can be different, so I'd call the surgeons office and ask what their requirements are.
   — Carolyn M.

September 11, 2003
Hi Erinn, my surgeon Dr. Tanaka told me that I had to be on the C-Pap for 2 months before I was scheduled for surgery. I received my machine in March 2003, and had my surgery May 21, 2003. Joyce- open RNY 3/21/03 316/263/150
   — Joyce I.

September 11, 2003
You need to contact your surgeon, as each one has different requirements. We require newly diagnosed sleep apnea patients to be on their c-pap machine for at least two weeks before surgery. You will need to bring your machine with you to the hospital when you have your surgery. Once you have your surgery you will then need to follow up with the physician that ordered your c-pap to see when you can start weaning off of the machine. The good news is you won't need your machine for very long. Good luck
   — Kathy M.

September 11, 2003
Varies drastically. I think it has a lot to do with how bad your oxygen has been dropping etc. My surgeon was happy with a few weeks. They want your lungs strong and ready for surgery.
   — zoedogcbr