Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Sleep Apena ~*~ I need it!!!!



Recommended Posts

sleep Tests suck!! I know I have sleep apnea, but with all that crap hooked up all over me, I couldn't even get to sleep. I got about 45 minutes of "sleep" laying on my side, because I can't sleep on my back due to the fat smothering me and my choking... anyway, my test just came back negative because I never slept enough for them to test. But, my doc said it didn't matter anyway since I was well over 40 BMI... I guess they had to check anyway.

I think that sleep apnea test is a bunch of BS!! I had stuff taped all over me, including my throat, which my jugular was taped and kept throbbing and making my whole neck move because of the tape.. It was such a bunch of crap. I've had these done twice now and neither time I could sleep. How can they get a sufficient test done if you never sleep???

I agree with not getting any sleep in the test. All I know, is I now have a CPAP... I don't remember my dreams, I don't wake up all night, and I have energy I didn't have. I was dragging around like a rag before. Also, I am not as hungry since your body trys to compensate for lack of energy by making you hungry. I never would have thought I had sleap apnea before. I know I do now.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My BMI was 35.1 when I first started trying to get approved. I got denied because I didn't have heart disease, lung disease or sleep apnea. By the time I wrote my appeal letter, I had gained a few pounds and my BMI was 36.7.

I had to write a letter of appeal to BCBS. I wrote a letter of medical need, then a letter of emotional need, then I gathered letters of support from my GP, GYN, Podiatrist, and Gastrointerologist. Then my bariatric surgeon sent the entire package through with his endorcement.

BCBS called me directly and said my letter was amazing and that they decided to approve me.

If you have to appeal, I'd be happy to share my letters with you, just post your email and I'll send them to you directly.

Good Luck!

Suzanne

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had sleep apnea even before thinking about the band. It is not BS. It saved my life. There are worse things in life we put up with besides being all hooked up.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm having the test done this weekend. I was wondering how to enhance my chances of having Apnea. Does anyone know if they just count the number of times you stop breathing (which I'm afraid I don't do) or if they count the number of times you wake up. What else do they look at? Also, do they watch you sleep or just watch the data on the machines?

Thanks

They hook you up to all kinds of sensors. I doubt if you can fake it. But, I was definite I didn't have sleep apnea but my doctor thought I might. I had moderate to severe sleep apnea. You may just have it too, who knows.

They watch you sleep, monitor how your oxygen level goes down (that is key), you can't fake that, measure when you are in rem, how much you wake up, if you snore, all kinds of things!

Good luck, hope your surgery gets approved.

holly

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Here's my concern. The Pulmonary concult is the last test. I don't meet the BMI requirements,(BMI 48)

But the MD wants a sleep Apnea test!!! I'm a Nurse , I see patients have major surgeries without sleep Apnea studies.So why does the Lap Band Docs require this test???I don't have problems sleeping.Any suggestions about why this is such a big deal

deb

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had to have the sleep apnea test to help me qualify with insurance. Its one of the co-morbidities. Havent read all the way through this thread, so forgive me if I repeated someone else. :D

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

For my test, we took the machine home and hooked ourself up before going to bed. By mistake, instead of my finger, I put my thumb in the hole, which was a tight fit and uncomfortable all night.... now I wonder if that's why I was diagnosed with mild sleep apnea? My bmi is (only, haha) 35, but that test is the only reason they approved the surgery!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Mustlose.. the test you took was an overnight pulse oximetry test. It will show if your Oxygen levels go down at the same time your heart rate increases. This generally shows you have sleep apnea.

One of the treatments listed for sleep apnea is to lose weight, most patients would not have sleep apnea if they were at a healthy weight. It has nothing to do with being approved for a surgery. So I believe showing that you have sleep apnea is just another indicator to show that the surgery is medically necessary.

Hope this helps!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks Jencys fro your reply. You know so much about sleep apnea! It sounds from your description that my little mistake could not have caused the sleep apnea diagnosis. I agree that my sleep apnea is caused by my weight and would probably go away if I ever lost weight... I'm wondering why does the insurer consider sleep apnea so serious that they will approve me even though I'm not 40 bmi? Do you know? btw, I have mild sleep apnea. Anyway, I'm just really grateful to be approved. Thanks! :welldoneclap:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

sleep apnea can contribute to a range of other complications including cardiovascular disease, hypoxia (low oxygen levels) high blood pressure, etc. If left untreated it can eventually lead to death. So although your BMI may not be 40, the weight you have is contributing to the diagnosis of sleep apnea. I believe the more they learn about sleep apnea the more they understand how important the weight loss aspect is to the treatment. I was recently diagnosed with sleep apnea, mine is severe so I've searched the internet for as much information as I can find. I had no idea how serious this condition is. I've decided to get the lap band because of this condition and I'm turning in my paperwork in a few days. Hopefully everything goes well and the insurance approves and I can schedule the procedure before chickening out! Ha!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

sleep apnea can contribute to a range of other complications including cardiovascular disease, hypoxia (low oxygen levels) high blood pressure, etc. If left untreated it can eventually lead to death. So although your BMI may not be 40, the weight you have is contributing to the diagnosis of sleep apnea. I believe the more they learn about sleep apnea the more they understand how important the weight loss aspect is to the treatment. I was recently diagnosed with sleep apnea, mine is severe so I've searched the internet for as much information as I can find. I had no idea how serious this condition is. I've decided to get the lap band because of this condition and I'm turning in my paperwork in a few days. Hopefully everything goes well and the insurance approves and I can schedule the procedure before chickening out! Ha!

Thanks for the info. It does indeed sound serious... I hope you get approved. I go for my orientation on January 22nd.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

If you do have it, then after you get the band you cant use the cpap for 6 weeks. Or it will mess up your stomach.

I was never told that - in fact I was told to bring my machine to surgery with me in case I was having problems breathing. I don't see how a Cpap can affect the stomach?:)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am a sleep tech. Sedation; such as sleeping pills; (Ambien, Lunesta or any other sedating medication used for relaxation), does increase the number of apneas and hypopneas that a person will have; for the first two hours of a sleep study. It basically exacerbates the situation. This is not falsely testing. It is only showing how bad you can be on your worst night. Often times physicians do prescribe sleeping medication for a sleep study. You must sleep in order to have a sleep study. If your primary physician is against sleep medications for the sleep study; ask for a pre-study consult with the sleep lab physician. Physicians used to be against sleep medication prior to a sleep study; but due to better education; most now know it only helps the situation.

Good Luck,

Sleepygirl

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am a sleep tech. Sedation; such as sleeping pills; (Ambien, Lunesta or any other sedating medication used for relaxation), does increase the number of apneas and hypopneas that a person will have; for the first two hours of a sleep study. It basically exacerbates the situation. This is not falsely testing. It is only showing how bad you can be on your worst night. Often times physicians do prescribe sleeping medication for a sleep study. You must sleep in order to have a sleep study. If your primary physician is against sleep medications for the sleep study; ask for a pre-study consult with the sleep lab physician. Physicians used to be against sleep medication prior to a sleep study; but due to better education; most now know it only helps the situation.

Good Luck,

Sleepygirl

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×