Question:
Has anyone had a sleep study scheduled POST-op??

Chris just had surgery on Monday, but shortly after surgery a Dr. who was observing him thinks he has sleep apnea. In a few weeks he wants him to have a sleep study. His surgeon doesn't require one pre-op. Isn't the timing kind of odd.....since he had the surgery and will lose the weight, won't these symptoms disappear??? And if they will - is it really necessary?? The Dr. doesn't feel it is severe, and a few of the nurses agree with his clinical diagnosis of sleep apnea. Thanks for any input! Patti    — Chris M. (posted on March 7, 2002)

March 7, 2002
Maybe they think he will need the Cpap machine but I do agree with you the timing seems kinda odd. I had mine done but it was required for surgery. My ex's obese aunt has had 4 of them in the past 3 months. They want to see how she is coming.I personally thing they want to soak her insurance. JUST my opinion.
   — Sassy M.

March 7, 2002
I had one at about 9 months post-op. I weighed about 150 at the time, but I was unwilling to give up my CPAP, yet it wasn't calibrated correctly any more. The test was "inconclusive" at the time, and shortly I got the guts to let the machine go. Kind of a waste of time and copay, IMHO. But I'm not the doc.
   — vitalady

March 7, 2002
The timing is rather odd as we see it, but if there is a chance he has sleep apnea, then he should be tested. I will tell you why...My head and neck DR says that not all people that are overweight have sleep apnea, and many of the people that do suffer from it are very slim. Weight is a contributing factor, but not a given in all cases. I have also talked to other people that had WLS, lost the weight, and still had sleep apnea. It is a dangerous condition, and can cause a stroke or heart attack according to my DR. It sounds to me like the DR is being cautious, as he should be. I wish much luck to your friend and his WLS!
   — ScatCat