Question:
how will finding out I have apnea last night affect my approval?

I did my sleep study last night and they put me on a cpap around 2am. The nurse said I definately have apnea and recorded over 40 'episodes' in the time I was asleep and thats why they woke me up and put me on the cpap. Will this screw me up now? I've been approved in every other catagory and this was basically my last test. I'm worried    — Kimberly H. (posted on May 1, 2010)

May 1, 2010
Kimberly: This will NOT "screw you up" but rather be of use to both your surgeons and the hospital staff in that you will likely need to be admitted with use of the CPAP (for use postop) as well as the anesthesiologist would need to know this for medication purposes in putting you (and keeping you!) asleep during the surgery. Actually having sleep apnea is yet another comorbidity that should allow your insurance company to most DEFINITELY approve you for the surgery. Just think of how much mucho dineros you will save them -- as well as how much better you will feel when all the excess weight is gone and you no longer have need for a CPAP (known to resolve itself) as well as any other meds you might be currently taking for risk factors -- GONE! (I am now 4-mos. postop RNY, lost 70# and everyday I feel like I have regained a piece of my life ... it's amazing and you won't regret your decision). Best of luck on the journey :-)!
   — momeego

May 1, 2010
It will make you more likely to gain swift approval.:-) It just shows a greater need for the surgery.
   — Dusty Ray Vaughn

May 1, 2010
Don't be worried, I totally agree with 1st answer. My only addition is be patient. At least in my program u need to b using the cpap for at least 1 month b4 the will do surgery. This is bc every episode of apnea is a short period of the heart working without oxygen, basically a mini angina attack that happens - well 40 times in however long you were there last night. U will find u feel better also. Good luck. Scootermedic
   — scootermedic

May 1, 2010
Sleep apnea is one of the main reasons I was approved for surgery. Don't worry, that diagnosis can only help get you an approval not hurt you. Good luck!
   — jeannefitz

May 2, 2010
ihad to have the test for medeicare approval. idid what they said ,iwore the mask its like haveing an alien on your face . it is totally amoney thing for worthless and slacker drs to make money on . itold them and documented it to thier face , in words like voodoo, scam , and BS SCIENCE. this is a money grub because several weeks after wls there was no problem and they admited it. the mask cost 800 , or rent for 125 a month, what a ripoff.i took it back after wls they asked if i had a cease prescription, itold them i was returning it . if they didn't take it i'd dump it outside on the lawn. the quack who i sawcouldn't even read the data, he didn't have program to read the data. he still tried to charge for cosultation i refused to pay . itold them what i,am teeling you, they v never bothered me again. but it is required for medicare.
   — hanksguns

May 5, 2010
A person with sleep apnea actually stops breathing while sleeping, due to blocked airway so they will approve you for that for sure. Anything that is a life threatening issue (co morbidities) will help not hinder your approval. So, it is a good thing they did the test on you and gave you a CPAP, however you won't need it after the surgery because you won't have the weight anymore.
   — Kristy

May 6, 2010
Sleep apnea should help your approval. That is one of the conditions that loosing weight will reverse. Just make sure you have all your information and talk to your Drs about it.
   — Donna C.