My bariatric coordinator told me that they can't schedule my surgery until I have gotten and started using a CPAP.

I had an at home sleep study and now am scheduled for a sleep clinic sleep study on 21Jul2019.

How long after your sleep study did it take to get the CPAP?

What is it like to try to get sleep with that thing on your face?

I am feeling frustrated because I want my surgery date and to get my 3 week liquid diet out of the way.

Hello, I have had my cpap since 2014.It was maybe a week after my follow up appt. I received my cpap machine. You have requirements such as wearing it at least 4hrs a day. They have several different headgear and nose lieces, I have had the nasal pillows with chin strap as well as the facial mask that covers just the nose to finally I wear ever night the nasal/mouth gear it covers the mouth and nose both. They all take so.e getting use to. I do remember having to go to the sleep study and them hooking me up to a cpap to see I guess what rate they need to set your cpap at. Just know most insurances require a print out of compliance. Good luck to you! Hope this helps!

Hi-

I got my CPAP about two weeks after my sleep study. Getting used to it IS a bit of a process. I found that wearing it while watching tv (without trying to sleep) helped me get used to the feeling of having it on and breathing through it. That way you are not lying there at night with the pressure of feeling like you HAVE to sleep with a new strange set up.

Also, don't be afraid to try lots of different styles of masks, there are a ton of them and one is bound to feel most comfortable for you. My provider allowed me to return any mask I tried as long as it was under 30 days to exchange for a new one. Many online retailers are also this way, check around. Also, it sounds counter intuitive. but avoid over tightening the mask on your face. It should not be loose, but over tightening makes it both uncomfortable to wear and actually MORE prone to air leaking. Hard to explain, but true.

I know you are frustrated by this hurdle (which is totally understandable!), but try to see the good in this too. Sleep apnea really IS a serious health issue. It doesn't matter if you feel "fine" when you sleep without treatment or not. Damage IS being done. You have now discovered the problem and you have a chance to adresss it not only before your surgery, but during your weightloss journey. I guarantee you NOTHING will make losing weight harder (surgery or not) than the lack of real healthy sleep that untreated sleep apnea causes. The connection between poor sleep and obesity is well documented.

All surgeons are different in what they require as far as compliance with using your CPAP. Mine required a 30 day printout from my sleep doctor to show at least a 4 hour usage every night.

Again, I know it is frustrating and overwhelming. (((Hugs))) Tell yourself you are going to follow this part of your journey to give yourself the very best shot at health- and when you get to that surgery day you will know you are prepared and ready to give it your all. I will be rooting for you!!! ?

O have been wearing a bipap or cpap since 2004. I had my sleep study in a clinic and went home the next morning with my machine.

Edited July 7, 20197 yr by Losingit2018

7 hours ago, NagathaChristie said:

My bariatric coordinator told me that they can't schedule my surgery until I have gotten and started using a CPAP.

I had an at home sleep study and now am scheduled for a sleep clinic sleep study on 21Jul2019.

How long after your sleep study did it take to get the CPAP?

What is it like to try to get sleep with that thing on your face?

I am feeling frustrated because I want my surgery date and to get my 3 week liquid diet out of the way.

It should only take a few days for your Dr to get the results of your clinic sleep study and write the order for the CPAP(I had to have all that done through my PCP even though it was for my surgery). Once you have the order for the CPAP, it only takes a few days to get in and get fitted for the machine. I absolutely hate mine but I had to be compliant for a month before they would schedule my surgery. The company that provides the CPAP will monitor your usage and when your time is up, you can ask them to fax in a transcript to your surgeon's office.

Thank you for all of your replies.