I was put on CPAP in 2006. I had it pretty easy since I work for sleep specialist and had access to the latest and greatest masks and machines. After getting used to not taking the mask off in the middle of the night, I really didn't mind sleeping with the CPAP. I had my lapband in June of 2009, and after losing about 50 pounds I decided it was time to have another polysomnogram to see how I was doing if I slept without it. Well, my AHI was at 2.6 (normal is up to 5) and I went home and haven't used the CPAP since. It really wasn't bad when I was on it, but I am happy that I don't have to worry with it anymore. Just remember, however. Don't just take youself off of the CPAP. See your doctor and get a repeat polysomnogram to see how you are doing. CPAPs are life-savers...literally. Apnea can have an effect on Diabetes, heart problems and other serious illnesses. A physician who is Board Certified in Sleep Medicine would be the best avenue to take since there are a lot of PCPs who think they know everything about sleep medicine but really don't. That is one of the reasons Medicare has cracked down on the type of physician who can read your polysomnogram and CPAP titration or they won't pay for any of it. I have seen doctors who will agree with anything the technician recommends and consider that since the technician works with the studies and testing they know everything there is to know. For the most part they do. But I have seen some reports from the technician that were so far off it could have been dangerous to just accept their assessment, and then the doctor who ordered the tests just check off the recommendation and think they have "read" the study. If they "read" the study instead of having a specialist in that field to do it, they will get paid for reading the study and they feel it is an easy way to make some extra income. Doesn't work that way anymore. So you are a little more protected now knowing that a physician who knows what they are looking at is actually reading the charts and graphs and not just taking a technician's word for it.
I sure didn't mean to get off on that tangent. I was just trying to make the point to be on the safe side and not just assume because you have lost weight your apnea is cured. My doc is Board Certified in Sleep Medicine and is a Diplomate in the American Academies of Neurology, Psychiatry, Electroencephlography and a couple of others I have difficulty pronouncing I know how thorough she is and how many discrepancies she sees and corrects AND brings to the attention of the sleep lab. OK, OK...I'm going to get on with the original question. I have lost 100 pounds and my BMI is at 24. *beaming over here*. My BMI was at 41. It is go great to go from morbidly obese to "normal". One of my co-workers told me the other day that one of our patients was asking my name and described me at the "middle aged, skinny lady with short hair". Hey, she could have called me elderly as long as those middle words were there. Lady is a good thing, but skinny is even better!!!!
Well, I started another tangent, didn't I? Maybe I had better go to bed. That is probably why I am slap happy right now...lack of sleep. My boss has just about thrown her hands up about my sleeping habits (Or lack of same). I do have poor sleep habits, but I try to keep them to myself...especially in the office!!!
Just to make sure I got out what I came in here about. I had no difficulty getting used to sleeping without the CPAP machine....it is a nice bonus. Just make sure your AHI (Apnea Hypopnia Index) is below 5 and the doctor says you can go without your machine. Don't make this a decide for yourself decision.
Nighty night all.
