Question:
Who has had to do a sleep study after the consultation for WLS??

Is this a good thing or a bad thing???I am nervous about it!    — Cathy B. (posted on October 31, 2001)

October 31, 2001
My surgeon actually ordered numerous tests after my consultation...a sleep study was included. Part of the reason they do it is to help support your need for surgery and also so that they will know your condition before surgery. I had to have a 2nd sleep test after the resluts of the first (this is normal if you have sleep apnea) the 2nd part was to let the Dr know that a CPAP machine would actually help my sleep apnea. There is nothing to worry about with either test, they are easy to do and I actually sort of enjoyed mine. I had a great technician that was very informative, not to mention what I learned about the danger of having sleep apnea and letting it go untreated. Hope this helps. hint...take your own pillow
   — Dottie C. B.

October 31, 2001
I also had to have a sleep study after my consultation. As the previous answer said, it's a good idea to do this to determine whether you have sleep apnea, as a good many obese people do. Also, it's another justification for your surgery to your insurance company. I had the initial study, which determined that I do have sleep apnea, and a second study using CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure). It's amazing how much more rested I feel and how much more energy I have now that I'm using the CPAP mask. I really was not getting quality Z's before, but I just didn't realize it. A diagnosis of sleep apnea could also determine whether or not you end up in ICU after WLS, because if your apnea is bad enough, you may need to be on a ventilator for a time after surgery to ensure a patent airway until you're fully recovered from the anesthesia. The study isn't painful - just annoying. Sleeping with about 15-20 wires attached isn't the easiest thing, but it's well worth it to either rule in/rule out the diagnosis of sleep apnea. Good luck!
   — Danette H.

October 31, 2001
I too had to have a sleep study after my initial consultation at Bariatric Treatment Center in Belvidere, Illinois. I think that was one of the best things that was ever recommended for me. I thought I had insomnia and that I was just being fat and lazy by needing naps every day. Come to find out that I quit breathing quite frequently throughout. I have been on my CPAP machine for about 3-4 years now and I will miss it a little after I have the surgery (11/20) and hopefully will not need it long after that. Hope this helps. Whatever happens, take care and God bless.
   — Karen L.

October 31, 2001
I had to have a sleep study. I was shocked; however, I did find out that I had a mild case of sleep apnea. I did snore prior to surgery and I no longer snore. Nor do I have GERD. I also had to have a psyc evaluation and had to go to my PCP and get her 'ok.' I am 9 mos. post op RNY open and down 93 lbs ... EVERYthing is worth it!
   — Betty Todd

November 1, 2001
I'm having a sleep evaluation/study done on 11/15 as required by my WLS doctor. At my first consultation with WLS doctor, he informed me that I must get a referral from my family doctor for this study, and I followed his direction but had to wait almost 3 months after my initial consultation for the appointment. At my sleep evaluation appointment I was told that I would need to go through the overnight study and the first opening they had was 3/1/02. I was floored at the amount of time I'd have to wait. So I got on this website, posted my question, and a few people responded by telling me they too were given dates months later, and decided to call around and found facilities that could accommodate them in a matter of a week or two. I followed their lead, and I now have an appointment in 2 weeks. Turns out I should never have listened to the surgeon at the initial consultation--I have traditional blue cross/blue shield which does not require a referral. Lesson learned. Good luck to you. Linda (stokle)
   — Linda S.