Question:
Is it mandatory to have a CPAP immediately after surgery while in the hospital

Hi all! I have just gotten a date of dec 3rd for wls ( very happy, but still need ins. approval and cpap machine) the day I got my date I also was told I have moderate obstructive sleep apnea. The problem is I can not find any one to do the tritration test, fit me for cpap get results back until three weeks. that will be the day after my surgery. Do you think I will be increasing my risks of complications if i dont have the machine? BTW I have to have surgery in dec due to insurance issues and dec 3rd is the only date this highly sought out dr. could give me. Can any one give me any insight on the Cpap machine and if i can make it through surgery w/o it while in the hospital. thanks for all replys. BB    — BB B. (posted on November 12, 2001)

November 12, 2001
I was told by my pulminary Dr. NOT to use the c-pap until 6 weeks after surgery. I was told by the surgeon to use it immidiately.No one could agree, though I agreed with pulminary Dr. He is more aware of how they work I think. Problems was, I could not use it because of ng tube, then, when that was removed, I tried using it, but mouth kept opening up, got a chin strap, that did not work either. I just did not end up using it at all. Nurses did not say anything, and i have not used it since. c-pap is for not only your protection, but for surgeron too.I felt when I used it after surgery, that my insides could feel that air, especially when i opened my mouth.It will help to get used to c-pap machine for a couple weeks though, and do what your Dr. says is best. This is my personal experience on this mateer. Good luck.
   — Marie A.

November 12, 2001
I didnt tolerate mine at all. My setting was high and that creates a remote danger of inflating the intestines and causing a leak. My surgeon put me on oxygen after surgery at a higher flow rate than normal. Monitored by a pulse ox machine they adjusted the oxygen flow till my levels were normal. This was mmuch more comfortable and safer than cpaps or bi paps. See my profile for details. Down 90 pounds this is the best decision I ever made.
   — bob-haller