Sleep Apnea

I am scheduled for RNY on May 2nd.  I have severe sleep apnea and use a CPAP machine.  I am looking forward to the day when I no longer have to use this device.  I know that statistics show that WLS significantly reduces if not "cures" this disorder.  A contributing factor, along with my weight issues of course, if the fact that my throat is totally closed - that is the tissue in the back of my throat meets so tightly together that the anesthesiologist classified me as a "4th" level something or the other.  I even had the surgery to remove my uvula but it was not successful.  I have had a anesthesia consult to make sure that they have my records to prepare them for my intebation (sp?). So my question(s) are: 1.  I will obviously have to use my CPAP in the hospital.  Given the fact that the surgery by itself can create gas, how does the forced air add to the problem?  2.  Can anyone tell me how long it took for the WLS to positively effect their apnea?  3.  Has anyone had anesthesia problems because of throat issue? 4. Any advice?   Thanks...

I was on a bi-pap machine prior to my surgery. I brought my own machine to the hopital and used it without an issue while I was there. About 3 months after surgery I began to have issues with using my machine. I stopped using it all together shortly after Christmas but I didn't get in to have a sleep study until the end of February. I was officially taken off of my machine after that sleep study. I never had any issues with anesthesia or anything due to my apnea. My surgeon did have the pulmonologist in the OR just in case though.

My sister has severe sleep apnea, the pulmonologist said one of the worst cases he had ever seen, and severe asthma.  She had her surgery last Tuesday.  They expected she would have to be cut, rather than laproscopic, that she would be on a ventilator for a day or two, and that she would be in ICU for a couple days.  None of that happened, she had no breathing problems at all and they were able to do it laproscopically.  I also had sleep apnea before I had surgery 4 years ago.  I had no problems and the sleep apnea went away in a matter of 3 or 4 months.  After all these years of sleeping in separate rooms, my husband and I can finally sleep together!  My advice to you would be to make sure you remind everyone you talk to at the hospital about your sleep apnea problem both in advance and the morning of your surgery and discuss it in detail with your anesthesiologist.

I have a cpap...I brought it to the hospital but they wouldn't let me use it. They were afraid the extra air would distend my organs. They kept me hooked up to oxygen and i was ok but I was also sitting up more in the hospital than I do at home. Surgery was Tuesday, I came home Friday and I was afraid to use it...fell asleep without it but last night I was choking on myself so I put it on and was fine. Hopefully in the future I won't need it at all!