Question:
Does sleep study replace required weight loss?
After telling me that I needed to lose 50 lbs. before WLS to make it safer for my weakened/enlarged heart, my surgeon's office is now saying that because this condition is often caused by Sleep Apnea they want me to have a sleep study done. They say if I have this done I may not need to lose the 50lbs. Does anyone know why this would be the case? I don't understand the connection or why I would no longer need to lose the 50 lbs. (Not that I'm complaining! :) — duane B. (posted on June 19, 2003)
June 18, 2003
Hello, asking your surgereons office is the best way to get the right
answer to your question, mine is only a guess. But here goes. I was told
by my Dr. that having sleep apnea can cause weight gain. Because you don't
sleep well your brian tells your body that you need fuel to be able to
function properly, prompting you to eat. So losing weight might be harder
for you.
Deb from Indiana
— Debra W.
June 19, 2003
I had a massivly weakened and enlarged heart prior to surgery. I was 378 at
5'6". Sleep Apnea... do you have to sleep sitting up or propped up?
If you can lay down and sleep and sleep well, I'd question the sleep apnea
test! Also, if your surgeon wants you to lose 50 lbs before surgery, I'd
get another surgeon's opinion. Having sleep apnea should make absolutely
no difference in this situation. They might be trying to find a way to fit
this into your insurance acceptance... I'd ask a lot of questions right
now... and don't stop until you get the same answer from at least two
different medical experts! Good Luck!
— Sharon M. B.
June 19, 2003
What I'm getting from this, Duane, is that it is very difficult to lose
weight with untreated sleep apnea. Many people begin to lose weight
naturally once their sleep apnea is treated (with use of a cpap, bipap,
etc.) Perhaps he's saying that the weight will come off naturally if you
indeed are found to have sleep apnea and are treated for it. Despite what
the previous poster said, sleep apnea is LIFE-THREATENING, and you should
definitely go for the study on your doc's orders. Being able to sleep
laying down is not an indication of not having sleep apnea. You cannot
self-diagnose this. If your doc is suggesting your enlarged heart may be
caused by sleep apnea, then please have a study right away. I had sleep
apnea, and my weight loss cured it (I had RNY), and I no longer have to use
a cpap. Blessings on your journey.
— [Deactivated Member]
June 19, 2003
Being able to sleep lying down is not an indication of whether you have
sleep apnea. I had a bad case and didn't even know it. I found out when
my dh told me I would stop breathing when I slept. GET THE TEST! It's
life threatening. It will make your surgery (esp. the anesthesia) much
more dangerous if you have undiagnosed sleep apnea. It's hard on your
heart, so maybe your doctor thinks that getting it under control would
improve your heart condition enough to enable you to have the surgery?
BTW, losing the weight cured my sleep apnea, along w/ lots of other things.
— mom2jtx3
June 20, 2003
In regards to a previous poster's comments about sleep apnea... it is
possible to sleep lying down completely and (think you're) sleeping well.
This does NOT mean you do not have sleep apnea. There are SOOO many other
signs of sleep apnea that laypeople don't know ALL of them.
I think I read a different spin on your post and that the surgeon is trying
to determine a condition that may be causing your heart condition other
than your excess weight. Knowing that excess weight only enhances the
likelihood and severity of sleep apnea, knowing the apnea itself may play a
deciding factor in your heart condition may prove that losing the excess
weight will not make a substantial difference to not warrant surgical
intervention anyway. And, indeed, surgery may alleviate excess weight and
sleep apnea simultaneously, or at least make an immediate difference on the
strain on your heart caused by the excess weight and sleep apnea.
Best wishes.
— Diane S.
June 20, 2003
Please do get tested before you have surgery. My best friend, Ginger
Brewster, listed on the memorial page of this website, died because she had
WLS with undiagnosed/untreated sleep apnea. This can be deadly! Please be
safe!
— Hackett
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