I'm a newbie!!

Hello to everyone out there!  I have been a lurker on OH for a while now - I'm somewhat addicted to reading about everyone - but this is my very first post!!   I need help and there isn't anybody better to ask than those that have been where I'm at!  I am in the process of trying to get approved for LapBand Surgery.  I've been to the psychologist, the nutritionist, the fitness instructor, etc, etc.  The last doctor I saw was the pulmonary doctor - and I didn't think I would have a single problem there - boy was I wrong.  Long story short - after a sleep study, it appears that I have sleep apnea.  I still have to go back for another sleep study, but I'm just curious if anyone out there might know what this means for me with regards to my surgery.  Will I be delayed indefinitely?  Will they treat the apnea for a couple of weeks/months and then approve surgery?  Will they treat the apnea for months and months and then I'll have to go through this whole process again?  I know that every scenario is different, I'm just looking for info from someone else that might have run in to the same speed bump.  Any information is appreciated! Thanks - and hopefully soon, I'll be an inspiration to other newbies as all of you have been to me!

Hi, welcome to the boards. I didn't realize I had sleep apnea until I went to schedule my surgery. I didn't have a sleep study but rather it showed up during my cardio echo. My doctor said it would most likely clear up after I loose weight and he chose not to do anything. I don't know if that is standard or not. But, that is what he did. I have heard of people getting c-pap machine prior to their surgery. Hopefully there will be some posts that will help you on here. Good luck with your upcoming lap band journey. Lisa

  Hi and welcome!!!!  I didn't have sleep apnea so I really can't answer your questions but from what I've read, I would think this would actually help you as far as getting insurance approval since sleep apnea is considered a co-morb.   Like Lisa, I have read of peope being diagnosed with it and being fit for a c-pap machine to use but I haven't read anything about it hindering them in getting the go ahead for surgery.  Good luck to you and don't be a lurker anymore!! ~Donna

Welcome to the boards Terisue.  I just wanted to say hi and good luck with the approval process. As far as sleep apnea goes, that shouldn't affect your approval time.  They'll have you come back and be fitted for a mask to wear at night.  It probably won't be needed for long after surgery, but it'll be a good thing to have before hand and early post op.  The first night after surgery, I set off the breathing monitor all night long because I would stop breathing.  That's because I was falling into a deep deep sleep and I had a small sleep apnea problem.  Annoyed the daylights out of the nurse, but oh well.  I have lost 80+ pounds now, and don't have that problem anymore. The thing is, it's for your protection, the potential exists that you could go to sleep, stop breathing, and not wake up.  That's why they do it.  However, as far as it affecting your surgery goes, it shouldn't really at all.  Each doctor is different though, so please let us know how it goes. Take care. Ellen

Welcome to the board! You will find alot of helpful information here and everyone is so nice. They really care about you and your progress. I go to Dr. Kuwada in the same office. I have my first appt. with Dr. Stern (Apnea Dr.)  August 9th. I'll let you know.  WELCOME!!!!

Welcome Terisue!  Congrats on starting your journey to WL success! I don't know about sleep apnea but I did have some "bumps in the road" as I believe just about everyone does. The thing that I learned from the whole process is to be diligent with your appointments and following through to make sure everyone has done what they are supposed to do. Don't be afraid to pick up the phone and call to check on your approval or to see if a doctor has faxed your information to your surgeon. Afterall, they are your insurance benefits and it is your life. No one will case manage them like you will. Best of luck !