Those of you who were diagnosed with apnea before surgery, did you have to wear your machine in surgery? Was the apena a big deal relating to the anesthesia/surgery part? The dr who did my pre-op eval said I did not check enough of the boxes to justify her ordering a sleep study....not that I wanted one but I want to be safe in surgery. I'm worried about what if I do have it and they don't catch it before surgery. I snore and have daytime sleepiness but DH says he's never heard me gasping or stop breathing (but who knows if he pays attention). I guess what I'm asking is Will it be a serious risk for me to have the surgery if I do have undiagnosed apnea? Thanks.

Mandi

I am not yet banded but I was told by my surgeon that I had to have the testing to rule it out even though I didn't think I had it. (he has EVERYONE he does surgery on either do a clinic or oximeter test) They told me I would be surprised by how many obese people have it don't know it. They told me that now since I was diagnosed as having sleep apnea that I would have to have the CPAP for at least 2 weeks prior to surgery, while in the hospital and 2 weeks after surgery because by treating my sleep apnea it will promote healing. They also told me that the anestegiologist (sp?) will take more precaution due to the apnea. My thought on that was they should be taking that precaution on everyone anyway. I don't know really. I just wanted to pass on what I have been told. There are alot of others that never had it. My friend that is going to the same surgeon did an oximeter test at home and she was told that since her O2 stats never went below 97% she does not have to do the clinic because she doesn't have apnea. If you are not comfortable with the whole thing yet talk with your doctor and tell him your concerns. Let him explain his reasoning. I have read so many different opinions on this.

I can't answer if you are at risk with undiagnosed sleep apnea but to answer your question about using the cpap machine, I didn't use it during surgery. I did bring it with me for my overnight stay and it was left up to me as to whether or not I wanted to use it at night. I chose to because I get a better quality sleep and I wanted to start off my recovery on the right foot.

As part of my approval process, I needed to see a pulmonary specialist. Are you required to see one? I would think that he could answer your question much better than anyone else. Good luck to you!

I also have been diagnose with sleep apnea but that was in 2005. When the nurse at hospital called to set up surgery, I asked about my CPAP..she told me to definitely bring it with me to hospital in case I had to stay the night. They do not use it in surgery...I also know that NEXT time I ever have surgery, and if I have my CPAP still, I will definitley ask to have it on in the recovery room. I think that would of solved a lot of breathing issues for me. I am used to waking up with it on and going full force and I dont think my mind was thinking about breathing because I am used to having the air pressure. Just my thoughts. Good Luck!! Deanna