:notagree Last night I slept with this awkward machine, can someone tell me what too expect if results show I have this condition? Does that speed up the surgery date??

Also, I took me metabolic panel today..and my next Dr. appt isn't till Feb. 12, when do I schedule with the Nutrionist?

*Only One-Week into 6 Months!!!!

Usually the pulmonologist schedules you for your first sleep apnea test where you're hooked up to a million wires and a machine that monitors you. Once they get the results and diagnose sleep apnea you go for a second sleep study where you have to sleep with a mask on your face to see how much oxygen you need to breathe properly. I wouldn't say that the results speed up the surgery, but the insurance co will be more willing to cover you with that diagnosis. My appt with all doctors, including the nutritionist was done through my surgeon. What does your doctor say when you should go see one?

Well the test I took was with a reader I brought home. I slept hooked up to this by a "clamp" taped to by middle finger. I then took it back this morning, where I'm suppose to hear back from my Dr. sometime this week. As for the nutritionist, it was not passed on to me how soon or late I should see her (I'm to schedule the appt. myself.). I suppose I will hear further on my next visit to my Dr. on the 12th.

Hi

I work at a company that does respiratory therapy and one of the machines we dispense are cpap machines. If your study comes back as showing you had respiratory events (apneas and/or hypopneas) the dr will prescribe a cpap. It does not give you oxygen, but it does keep your airway open while sleeping. Some people need oxygen while using the machine but a majority of patients just use the cpap alone. Usually significant weight loss will stop the need for a cpap, but if your study shows you have apneas, then that is all the more reason for the insurance company to go along with the decision to have WLS. If you do have to use a cpap, it may take a while to get used to it, but the majority of our patients think it is the greatest thing ever. After they have the cpap titration study (the second one using the cpap) they realize how great of a nights sleep they will be getting.

I may have to get a study done as part of my pre-surgery requirements. I really don't think I have sleep apnea, the only reason wake up in the middle of the night, and feel tired in the morning is because of 2 dogs and a two year old who get up in the middle of the night. Otherwise I feel I get a great nights sleep. Anyway, it is nothing to be afraid of, just a pain maybe getting used to the mask. Good luck!!!

Lisa

Hi,

I must have been posting my reply at the same time your were responding. It sounds like what you were wearing was an oximeter. Doing an overnight oximetry. It tests the oxygen in your blood to see if you are getting enough oxygen while you are sleeping. I am not a doctor, far from it, but I'm not sure that desating (drop in O2 levels) while you are sleeping has anything to do with WLS, or being overweight. It is generally used to test for pulmonary problems, but it may tell if you stopped breathing for a bit (drop in levels) but will not necesarily tell if you have sleep apneas. Again, good luck!!!

Lisa

I sleep with a cpap and let me tell you i had NO IDEA I felt so bad until i started feeling " Normal again " .

My doc told me that I never got into REM Stage sleep . So I bascially was not sleeping when i thought i was sleeping. He asked me how long i have has insomina ? I told him " About 4 yrs " He said " Mindy You have not slept in 4 yrs " he said i was up and down and tossing and turning all night long.

It took about 2 weeks to get use to my cpap . the KEY is getting the RIGHT MASK . the one that yoru comfy with . NOW I cant sleep with out and my husband sure cant becuase i snore too loud lol

mindy

Goddespotential,

The cpap is one of the best machine invented....my Dr. requires a sleep study before surgery. Whoever it was the pulmonary specialist how ready pulled it. With my Dr if you fail the test and have to get the cpap, they went you to have it for 2 weeks before surgery and take it to the hospital with you. However I didn't get the machine in time so the hospital put me on one of theirs. If you have to use the Cpap, you well feel better than you have felt in years. I couldn't believe the change in my energy level and even my personality.

I'll agree about how much better I feel with my C-pap. It's actually a love-hate thing. I hate having to wear it, but I feel so much better it's amazing.

Dear Goddesspotential

When I got my Cpap Machine my oxygen was at 30%. I was having brain fog. I had no energy and would fall asleep during phone calls from my children. The Cpap saved my life and my quality of life. The mask isn't the most comfortable but some are better than others. My children just keep saying "Our mom is back." If you ALWAYS use your mask you will get used to it. I am grateful for it - even though I hope at some point I may not have to use it - GOOD LUCK

Goddess

Sounds like you are getting great advise regarding the test, cpap, and apnea... just a thought about trying to navigate the one thing we can try to control- your frustration about the length of time and the waits!

Try calling the Dr.s office, and put your name in for cancellations. Ask them what time in the morning they know if they have any cancels- usually an hour after the ofice opens. I was able to schedule all of my 9 apts. for tests, evals and sleep appointments within 2 weeks by politely calling and making myself available for an opening! My first sleep test was scheduled 7 weeks out, then a cancellation pulled me to four weeks out, and a third call on the third morning got me an appointment in 3 days! It really can help speed up this part of the process. Good luck to you...I know how it feels to wait and how eager you get. I'm banding in 6 days! Can' wait. Hope this helps. Kim