Question:
Just came back from CPAP titration..

and I'm not sure I'm willing to wear this machine at all. I questioned the respiratory therapist about how weight loss affected sleep apnea and her opinion seemed to be that it probably wouldn't change it. She seemed to have the attitude that significant weight loss wouldn't change it much at all. Has anyone had an experience where you lost and your sleep apnea didn't change much?    — Dee P. (posted on June 30, 2001)

June 30, 2001
I have seen several people say they no longer have sleep apnea after surgery, however, my husband is only 20 lbs overweight and has to use a cpap for sleep apnea. So it's a maybe, you might not have sleep apnea anymore, then again, you might, sorry I can't be more helpful.
   — [Anonymous]

June 30, 2001
At a support group meeting this question was asked. Over 90% of those who lost the weight also lost their sleep apnea. Now I have no symptoms at all and a pressure setting of 17 and have lived my entire life with post nasal drip and prepertually clogged nose, bipap in my case makes this 100 times worse...... I have tried but its not going well, and since I have GERD a full face mask might cause new problems.
   — bob-haller

June 30, 2001
when i was diagnosed with sleep apnea the tech told me that losing weight would be a tremendous help. when i recently discussed wls with my cardiologist we went over all my co-morbids & he said that having wls & losing a substantial amount of weight will definitely have a positive affect on my sleep apnea. did the tech or ur dr explain the dangers of NOT using ur cpap?
   — sheryl titone

June 30, 2001
Dangers of not using a CPAP? Obviously not. Her attitude was rather casual about it as a matter of fact. What she said was, "if you can't handle the mask, then that's that, this isn't going to work for you; so for some reason if you're claustrophobic, or whatever, or just decide you don't want to wear it, that's it". There was no explanation about what might happen if I didn't wear it. I will tell you that, while I did sleep with the machine on, I did not find it at all comfortable. I spent 45 minutes fiddling with it because I felt it wasn't sealing correctly. And several times it woke me up, also.
   — Dee P.

June 30, 2001
Dee, when I went for my sleep study, I was told that losing the weight would definetly be a help and possibly put a stop to the sleep apnea. I am pre-op and cannot wait until I can get off the machine, it is very uncomfortable (I have been using it since November) and I still haven't gotten used to it. I was told that the long term effects of Sleep apnea could be heart problems among other things, so I was pretty much "scared" into using it. I admit that when I do use it I feel much much better during the day but I am beginning to think the hassle that I have every night trying to get comfortable is NOT worth it.
   — Happy B.

June 30, 2001
I had sleep apnea and used a c-pap machine titrated to a pressure of 12. I had surgery on 10/12/2000. I was able to get rid of the c-pap machine in March. At that time I had lost 90 lbs and no longer had sleep apnea. They retested me to prove that. Now I have lost 120 lbs. My husband moved back into bed after the machine was taken away (it kept him awake and he had to sleep in guest room). He says I no longer make any kind of sound at all, and never snore. I am quiet as a mouse.
   — claire C.

June 30, 2001
Sue, I was diagnosed with sleep apnea prior to my surgery and had to use a CPAP. I had my surgery in April and only used the machine for one week after my surgery. I have not had any problems or need for the machine since the surgery. My wife loves it because my snoring does not keep her up anymore.
   — Barry R.

June 30, 2001
Sleep apnea was my worst comorb. It was taking me out. In the years I had it before I got my CPAP, I was just too sick to live. The high BP, the sleeping behind the wheel, the headaches--- so much from oxygen deprivation. I wasn't too wild about the mask itself, but once I got it adjusted right, the machine became my best buddy. It is considered a FATAL breathing disorder, so I'm thinking it'd be a good idea to check out all the masks they offer. My husband struck it rich on the 3rd try. His model is called a "bubble". Seems to work great for men with moustaches. Anyway, the point is that you may need to accept the help right now. Sleep apnea can be caused by the weight pressing the lungs down, OR a brain disorder OR a swollen uvula. Or any combo. So, let's assume that it was a recent addition and is just the weight. My husband was off his CPAP in 60 days, and then because I took it away from him. He felt more secure with it, but the air was blowing out of his mouth into my ear. (not as much fun as it sounds). I had mine recalibrated because I was too scared to give it up. I kept it til I reached about 110# or so. I think I might not have needed it for many pounds before that, but in my head, I did. BUT oddly, both of us continued to let them run with the mask under the pillow for a few more months. That nice, soft white noise made us both feel more secure. Still, the apnea was gone, gone, gone. And that seems to be typical.
   — vitalady