Question:
I think that I might have Sleep Apnea!

I think that I might have Sleep Apnea, I mentioned it to my Dr just in conversation and he said that if I had it, it might affect me being able to have the surgery. The reason I think I might have it is because I am SEVERELY tired all day. I fight to stay awake all day long. I sleep until 10 am and ocassionally later, then I have to fight to get up. There have been several occasions that I have woke up gasping for air. I am afraid to get tested for it if it will affect my getting surgery. But I am also afraid not to be tested for it. I am so tired and exhausted, I cannot live like this. Please Give me any advice!    — [Anonymous] (posted on May 21, 2001)

May 21, 2001
And if you are seeing a surgeon familiar with bariatrics, it may be your ticket in. It was certainly a helper for me! It IS a co-morb. Waking up with dry mouth? Headaches? Nightmares? Feel like you're never quite asleep at night? But can't stay awake either? Snoring? The more you sleep, the more you want to? Thrashing all night? Sweaty?
   — vitalady

May 21, 2001
dont put off being tested for sleep apnea! it has its own effects on ur body...the most severe being a strain on ur heart. i was diagnosed 2 years ago & have a special machine to help me sleep, whether its a nap or for the night. u will feel much better when u r treated for ur sleep apnea. & it is a co-morbid to obesity.
   — sheryl titone

May 21, 2001
Don't be afraid of being diagnosed with sleep apnea. I had sleep apnea for 8 years before my WLS. I used a C-Pap machine every night. Because it was listed as one of my co-morbidities, the Dr. was very aware of the situation. During surgery, the Doctors watched me very closely as to oxygen levels, etc. Some people with sleep apnea are put in ICU immediately after surgery to watch for these things however I did not have to do this. I was immediately put in a regular room and continued using the C-Pap machine while I was in the hospital and upon my return home. After I had lost about 80 lbs., the sleep apnea was gone and the C-Pap machine is stored in the closet. Believe it or not, I actually had to adjust to not sleeping with it. It had become a security blanket and blocked out many sounds, etc. Remember, it won't delay your surgery plans...but your Dr. needs to know so that you can be monitored during surgery. Good luck and if you have any further questions, please feel free to email me.
   — Ruth M.

May 22, 2001
Getting tested for it shouldn't make you unable to have the surgery nor should be diagnosed with it. Its something your surgeon should know before doing the surgery as they shoudl have the appropriate equipment in there for you should you need it. Also have this diagnosed tends to help prove medical necessity for your insurance.
   — Dawn R.

May 22, 2001
I was diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea. Trust me when I say it will not prevent you from getting the surgery. In fact, it HELPED me. It is one of the more serious comorbidities that make having this surgery really meaningful. Before I was diagnosed, I would nodd complete uncontrollably - even while driving. After I had my sleep study done, it was the first night of good rest I'd had is so long...I came home at 7:30 in the morning just a chattin away, cleaning, going to the grocery,e tc. all before noon! Using the CPAP machine was hard to get use to, but it does give your energy back. But as much as it has helped me, I'll still be glad to get rid of it after I loose some pounds.
   — [Deactivated Member]