Question:
I was told if I have sleep ap that I would have to be on treatment for SIX months...

Before Kaiser Permanente would approve the surgery. Has anyone else had such an experience or heard of such a thing? I did the at home test last night and will hear today if it looks like I have SA (which 90-95% of MO's do, according to the technician) and then if I have it I have to wear a CPAP machine for 6 mos. Ugh. My surgery is scheduled for 4/4 and I don't want to wait any longer than that...any thoughts/ideas? If this is so, could I appeal to bypass this regulation and keep my date. Thanks in advance for your input...    — rebeccamayhew (posted on March 5, 2002)

March 5, 2002
I was dx with sleep apnea a week before my surgery and had the c-pap maybe 5 days. I have heard they like you to be on it as long as you can, but maybe the weight is the issue. I was pre-op at 219 pounds. Lisa
   — Lisa K.

March 5, 2002
Hi...just my theory here on what the insurance company is probably thinking (doesn't mean they're thinking correctly). CPAP treatment has helped some overweight people lose some of their weight since it allows you to have more restful sleep, feel more energized. i can tell you from my own experience, i don't fall asleep at the wheel anymore but i am FAR from feeling energized! my ex-boss was diagnosed with sleep apnea and began using a cpap. within 6 months or so he was able to lose 20 pounds and feel much better. the thing is, he only needed to lose about 20 pounds. insurance companies aren't realizing that 6 months of cpap treatment can show marked improvement in overweight individuals. but for us, the morbidly obese, it is simply a tool to help us stay alive! perhaps you can find some supporting information for this. best of luck to you on your journey. - anna
   — Anna L.

March 5, 2002
Hi Rebecca, I was treated for sleep apnea for approx 5 yrs before my surgery. I agree with the other post- it is a treatment for a co-morbidity of Morbid Obesity- It's not going to magically lose the excess weight! I wonder if your PCP or prospective surgeon would write/call your insurance regarding this issue- It sure can't hurt!I wish you the best of luck!
   — Cindy K.

March 5, 2002
BS!!! I have Kaiser (Southern Cal), I had sleep apnea, got my CPAP and had surgery about 3 months later. Get the written policy on what you're being told. I think you're being given wrong info, dear.
   — careywatkins

March 5, 2002
I agree with the other posters. I have been using a CPAP for about 7 years. While I no longer fall asleep at the drop of a hat, or at the wheel of my car, it did not help me one whit in losing weight. I think that for someone who needs to lose 20 or 30 pounds, it might be helpful, but for MO, I doubt it.
   — garw

March 5, 2002
Rebecca, I was diagnosed with sleep apnea as part of my preop evaluations. I had to be on CPap at least one week before the pulmonologist would clear me. Surgery is 3/8! Wahooooo
   — Kathryn L.