Question:
Here is my dilemma with sleep apnea, please advise

Fortunately, I've been approved for Roux-en-y. At the time of my initial consultation, I didn't show hardly any signs of sleep apnea, and a sleep study was not ordered. Now, 3 months and 10 lbs heavier, my husband says he can't sleep in the room with me because I'm snoring "like a freight train". I'm waking up all during the night and sleepy during the day. In the past 2 weeks, I've been waking up gasping for air and then I'm afraid to go back to sleep. My question is this: Do they need to do a sleep study now or do I just need to tell the dr and anesthesiologist when I see them right before surgery? I've already been approved, so is the sleep study for approving only or does it help the doctors in some way other than me just telling them I have it now?    — Lindsey S. (posted on October 7, 2002)

October 7, 2002
the answer is, tell your doctors, and talk to them about the options and the best choices. They will let you know what they want you to do. If your surgery is close, they may want to just move ahead. If it is some distance away, they may want you to get tested and put you on c-pap so you are the healthiest that you can be for surgery.
   — Vicki L.

October 7, 2002
I agree with the previous post. You really need to discuss this with your surgeon. Let me tell you why. I, too, am in a similar situation. I will be having surgery soon and I have not done the sleep test. I asked the surgeon about this because everyone on this website told me I need to have the test done. Well getting into the sleep center is almost as difficult as this whole surgery process. My surgeon told me that they treat ALL of their patients as though they have sleep apnea because most of them do. They keep them on oxygen and do all the things that they would normally do if you had been diagnosed. He told me it was totally up to me if I wanted to go through all of that when more than likely, I will not have this after the surgery. You are going to get a lot of people telling you you must have this done NOW. I am not telling you not to, because I know how serious it can be, I am only telling you what my surgeon AND PCP told me. I would also like to add, for those who will say my Dr.'s are idots, (because I did get that response from someone), that my surgeon is one of the best, if not THE best anywhere. He was written up as one of the top surgeons in Dallas in "D Magazine." He has never lost a patient and has done many, many surgeries. Bottom line. . .talk to your surgeon!
   — Kathy S.

October 7, 2002
Lindsey, Please, if at all possible, get the sleep study done. This is not to frighten you, but please read the memorial on GINGER BREWSTER on the memorial page of this website to see what can possibly happen if one goes into surgery with untreated sleep apnea and the surgeon and hospital does not make provisions for the possibility of one having sleep apnea. The reason for getting tested and then if you have it being put on CPAP prior to surgery is to get your lungs in the best possible shape before surgery so you don't go into respiratory arrest after surgery because of the affect of the anesthesia coupled with the morphine they give you for pain. If there is just no way you are going to do the sleep study, then at least make sure EVERYONE involved in your care knows that you may have sleep apnea and make sure they make provisions for your care. You should be carefully monitored the first 24 hours preferably in ICU so that you don't go into respiratory arrest from the affects of the anesthesia and morphine. If you have any questions or comments please e-mail me privately.
   — Hackett

October 7, 2002
You should tell your doctor. The danger with sleep apnea is less so during your surgery, because you are breathing on a respirator, but after surgery when you are medicated and breathing on your own there could be danger if you don't have a CPAP or are not on oxygen. I would want the diagnosis in my records so the nurses and doctors are aware of this condition.
   — Lisa N M.

October 7, 2002
Lindsay, I'm afraid I agree with the previous posters. Even though your having this surgery will almost certainly "cure you" in a few weeks, you want to do everything possible to improve your odds of making through those few weeks. This is too important to just roll the dice and hope. Good luck, Kevin
   — meilankev