Question:
what is the importance of the CPAP machine and WLS? I am scared to death now

last night I went for my sleep study, and I found out I have sleep apnea. I was told by the girl this is important, but thats all she would say and I wont see the doctor til wednesday, can anyone or someone that has had to use this machine before during or after tell what role did/does it play as far as importance before or during or after sugery? please email me with any and all experiences with the cpap and importance it has with the WLS, I hear bits and pieces like if you need cpap and didnt know you can die, and does this mean I am at a greater risk in the OR or does this work in my favor because they know I have sleep apnea? please help me understand better.    — kellisobo (posted on August 13, 2006)

August 13, 2006
Hi Kelli! Ok, lady, calm down! Three deep breaths! I promise you, it's no big deal!!!! I have sleep apnea, too, and all it means it that we stop breathing when we sleep. As a survival mechanism, the body wakes up, reminds us to breathe, and we slide back to sleep. Unfortunately, this means that we never get deep, restful sleep, so we're tired during the day. I'm guessing you're like me, falling asleep at the drop of a hat, tired, no energy, maybe depressed? Once you get your CPAP, you'll see an incredible change in your life. I know I now actually wake up, instead of hauling my carcass out of bed. I have energy, I get things done, I don't fall asleep while driving! The CPAP (constant positive air pressure) machine blows a constant stream of air into your mouth and nose, and this keeps the back of your throat from collapsing, so you don't snore, and you don't stop breathing. You actually get a whole night of sleep! And no, it won't make a difference with the surgery, they will put a tube down your throat and breathe for you, anyway, so it's no big deal! You may have to schlep your CPAP with you to the hospital, but that's not too terrible. Yes, it will help you with the weight loss. You will actually have enough energy to get up and walking, plus you'll be getting a lot more oxygen into your body, so you will be better able to burn your fat cells away. OK? Does this help? Please, email me any time, I'll try to help with any answers I can! Rest easy, and congrats on your upcoming surgery -- you're gonna be a big loser soon! Love and prayers, Mary
   — mwilson523

August 13, 2006
The CPAP and sleep apnea have no relation to WLS although obesity is a likely cause of the sleep apnea because all the extra fat can restrict the airway. It is true that some people can die from sleep apnea because they stop breathing but I believe that is rare because most don't have sleep apnea that severe. When you stop breathing most will just wake up enough to start breathing again naturally. Because of that you don't get a good night's sleep and probably feel tired all the time because of it. I used to get bad headaches when I woke up in the morning due to the lack of oxygen. The CPAP will just help you breath better at night by providing a constant positive pressure of air to keep your airway open - as a consequence you won't snore either while using the CPAP. I had Sleep Apnea for many years and within the first month after WLS I lost enough weight to where I no longer snore and no longer have sleep apnea so I don't even use the CPAP anymore. I was told to bring my CPAP to the hospital with me but as it turned out they provided one so I never even used mine.
   — Rick Bedard

August 13, 2006
I AGREE WITH MARY AND RICK I HAVE SLEEP APENA AND HYPOENA (HAS TO DO WITH MY O2 LEVELS DROPPING BELOW 70% SATURATION) SEE YOU NOT AS BAD AS YOU THOUGHT AND I WOKE UP 81 TIMES PER HOUR.....I HAVE THE AUTO ADJUST CPAP WITH HEATED HUMDIFIER AND YOU CANT BELIEVE HOW IT HAS HELPED CHANGE ON HOW TIRED I ALWAYS WAS AND NOW I GET A GOOD NIGHT OF SLEEP. YEAH TAKE IT EASY, YOUR NOT GOING TO DIE. DONT LET ANYONE SCARE YOU. IF YOU WHERE THAT BAD THEY PUT YOU ON OXYGEN TANKS.......
   — jackie B.

August 13, 2006
Don't worry yourself about this. I also had sleep apnea before WLS and normally most doctor's want the patient on CPAP for about a month pre-op because although it is normal for people to stop breathing during sleep in small intervals those with sleep apnea have too many interruptions in breathing while they sleep which cause the heart to work harder, the brain is deprived of oxygen which can cause morning headaches and it raises the blood pressure and simply put your body does not get a good night's sleep. It is good that they are aware of this pre-op because you can start using the CPAP because they can monitor your blood pressure and your heart to make sure there are no problems post-op. I have lost over 180 pounds and this completely cured my sleep apnea and this is the case with most WLS patients so using CPAP will more than likely be very short lived for you. If you have other questions or concerns e-mail me anytime. Good luck on your WLS and see you on the loser's bench! Prycey Lady RNY 2/2/06 373/190????
   — one twenty five sixty to go

August 14, 2006
Our bodies will heal faster when our sleep apnea is being treated with cpap. Think about it: we need oxygen to heal ... And without treatment, our oxygen levels plummet over and over again all night long.
   — peacefuldaizy

August 14, 2006
DON'T panic! :O) I've had sleep apnea for a good six years now and tried the cpap for a week and couldn't stand it~So, I made due with an alternative that has worked for me...I sleep in a recliner or overstuffed chair when I don't have a recliner traveling...I'm happily married so I usually start the night out with my husband for 2 to 3hrs. until I wake up...then move to my chair...and later return. With the WLS the apnea goes with the weight! :O) BE encouraged!!!
   — zoeysgrami

August 17, 2006
Relax, Kelli! I have the CPAP. It just helps you breath so you don't die in your sleep. When you have sleep apnea, sometimes your airway gets blocked. This keeps you from sleeping soundly, and can be fatal. When you go to the hospital, take your machine with you. That is what I did. Usiong your CPAP, you are no mmore at risk than anyone else. I found that the only way to get used to the machine was to just wear it all night right from the start, even though you feel as though you are smothering.
   — Novashannon