Ladies... Sleep Apnea after WLS...

Hi ladies... I just had my review with the "sleep doctor" about my slight apnea. And he kept saying that I would definitely need the "unit" after wls. I am confused, I thought that having WLS (well losing weight in general) would decrease any sleep apnea. Do you think that he was just meaning in the first few weeks after surgery and not being able to sleep on my tummy. Because you can sleep on your tummy right after your sites have healed? Thanks

Hi Gina - I really do not know much about sleep apnea but I have read a ton of posts where people are able to give up the machine once they are at a healthier weight. I think it will happen for you I'm just not sure as quickly as your hoping. Hang in there. Christina

Hi Gina- I was told the WLS in very instrumental in the abatement of sleep apnea BUT it is not a given. Be patient and maybe when those lower numbers come on the scale , you'll also lose your depedence on the machine. That's on my wish list -I'm in the same boat darlin'. It's a wait and see thing. Good luck I'll keep you in my prayers-Janet K

I have sleep apnea and after surgery you have an increase risk of lung promblems while you are healing. My lung dr said I can redo my sleep study after 6 months. So where a lot of people got rid of theres right away I am 2 months out and still use it everyday. I needed mine in the hospital as well my oxygen level was very low and it was that or the oxygen in my nose(I hate that) dee

Gina, I have apnea as well and have a CPAP since last June. The machine my doctor ordered is a self adjusting one that changes pressure automatically. My doctor ordered that because he know I'd be having WLS and the pressure would lessen as I lost weight. My apnea was severe as the test indicated. I figured I had it with the weight gain and the fact that I went to bed tired and got up tired no matter how much sleep I got. I hated and I mean hated that mask even though I had the smallest mask possible. Since surgery I still use it. Surgery is not a guaranteed end to Apnea, it may go away or you may still need the CPAP. As much as I hated it and used to rip it off my face during the night, I am used to it and the restful sleep I get with it is priceless. I can't answer the tummy sleeping as the last time I was a tummy sleeper was when I weighed about 130 lbs. I have been a side sleeper for years and the apnea probably had a lot to do with that. Use the machine and your doctor will probaly have you retested after 6 months or so. Good Luck! Mary