Question:
does eveyone have to have the sleep study?

   — MRSFAVORS (posted on April 20, 2008)

April 20, 2008
I didn't. But then I already KNEW that I had sleep apnea and HAD the cPap machine prescribed. I suspect that if you have had the test RECENTLY and have not needed the machine the doctors will accept those tests but most people PROBABLY have to have the studies if they do not have the machines already. I don't know for certain of this, but it would make sense knowing most doctor's penchant for CYA (Cover Your A$$). ;-) Most doctors want to make sure that they cover ALL the bases when they do something major like cutting someone open. If you stop breathing after surgery because of sleep apnea you are just as dead as if the SURGERY killed you and THEY are just as LIABLE if it happens in the HOSPITAL.
   — hubarlow

April 20, 2008
Georgeena, I do not believe that every one has to have the sleep study. Different surgeons and/or insurance companies require different things to approve or deny each case. Obstructive sleep apnea is a very common co-morbidity of obesity such as high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, GERD and PCOS. The belief is that the more co-morbidities a patient has, the more likely it is they are approved and will benefit from WLS. It is also important for this condition to be diagnosed and treated prior to surgery for the best outcome of the patient. Hope this helps, Dawn Vickers, RN, BLC, CLC
   — DawnVic

April 20, 2008
I did not but, again that was in 1999. They now require it to be done. From what I understand from others that had it done they just monitor you while you sleep with machines. I have been told by many that have had the surgery that it is a pretty simple thing.
   — nascar_angel_3_2003

April 20, 2008
nope -- it depends on your surgeon -- but it is a good test to have -- sleep apnea is a co-mobidity and could help with insurance approval :) ppl look down on all the testing and the 6 month diets -- but the more proof you have the better it is for insurance approval :) good luck
   — RCassety

April 20, 2008
I'd really suggest that you do. I work in a hospital, and always hear all kinds of tales. One of the most recent tales is that of people who do not know, or care to know, that they have sleep apnea, then go under Anesthesia, and CODE while under. I'm not trying to scare you, or say this is what always happens. I'm just sharing the importance of knowing. By all means, please look up all the information that you can on SLEEP APNEA, HYPOPNEA, and related subjects to educate yourself more. I think you'll want to have one. I did! I'm still awaiting my date, like you. I sleep much better now; not only knowing, but due to having my CPAP machine. Maria
   — Maria V.

April 21, 2008
I guess it depends on your doctor. I was required to have a sleep study and was diagnosed with mild sleep apnea. I've had my CPAP about 10 days and I think I'm feeling better. My doctor requires you to sleep with the CPAP at least 2 weeks before surgery. I had to see a pulmonologist about the sleep study and to get the CPAP and he said that all patients should be checked for apnea before they go under anesthesia no matter what the procedure is. I guess quitting breathing during surgery is a bad thing! That all being said, the sleep study was no big deal. Although why they call it a sleep study when there's no sleeping going on is a mystery to me! (Ok, maybe I did sleep some!) And the CPAP is taking some getting used to but it's happening. I don't want to short change my brain or heart of oxygen. The whole goal is to get me in the best shape possible before surgery so I have the best outcome possible. I certainly want my procedure to be LAP and not open!
   — GlitterGal

April 21, 2008
Yes, and now I have a CPAP. About a month after my RNY surgery, I stopped using it. I went for an official check about 2 weeks ago and found out I still need it - only at a lower setting. The sleep tech passed on some interesting information about sleep apnea and weight loss. Essentially, it boiled down to using it will only help my weight loss. Not to mention... Not using it when you need it is basically choking your organs. Another interesting tidbit... the sleep tech said that symptoms are as noticeable in women as men (generally speaking).
   — gonnadoit

April 22, 2008
Please get the sleep study done! It would have saved the life of my best friend, Ginger Brewster. You can read the story of her demise on the memorial page of this website. Much better to be safe.
   — Hackett