Sleep Studies and Weight Loss

annie123 · Post by **annie123** » Mon Mar 05, 2007 9:46 pm

Hi All,
I've been on CPAP since September and have finally found the energy to exercise and start eating better. I have lost 20 pounds in the last 7 weeks, and am now on the right track for losing much more.
I am wondering if anyone knows what the "official weight loss number" is for repeating a sleep study to see if the pressure is still right, and if there is any way to avoid it. I don't want the trauma, hassle, or expense of another sleep study.
Thanks, Annie

Elle · Post by **Elle** » Mon Mar 05, 2007 10:29 pm

I lost quite a bit in the last year and my sleep doc told me it doesn't always make a difference since your OSA might not be caused by weight. I think you might have to have the study again to decide????

annie123 · Post by **annie123** » Sun Mar 11, 2007 8:06 pm

Elle,
I appreciate your reply. Anyone else out there that wants to "weigh" in on this? Pun intended!
Annie

Offerocker · Post by **Offerocker** » Sun Mar 11, 2007 8:16 pm

annie123:
Please fill out your profile, so that we all have a better idea of what equipment you're using. From there, it will be easier to address your issues, and let you know if you have a machine that could be easy for you to monitor and adjust.

CONGRATULATIONS of your new energy and exercise regiment, and, of course, on your weight loss. That alone must make you feel great. Now, that's a "good" vicious cycle", eh?

Sleepy-eyes · Post by **Sleepy-eyes** » Sun Mar 11, 2007 8:27 pm

Many people report weight losses after starting therapy. My cousin lost 30 pounds with no changes in diet or exercise in just the first year of his therapy.

I'm not overweight and haven't experienced any loss of weight. I guess everyone is different. (DUH!!!!!)

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Sun Mar 11, 2007 9:22 pm

I'd hate to think I had to pay $1,000 or more for another Sleep Test because I lost 40 or so pounds. If so, to get down to where I really need to be would cost $3,000 to $4,000. With my APAPs, and the software, I can keep that money in the Bank. I'm not going to help my Dr. get that Caddy. Jim

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Sun Mar 11, 2007 9:28 pm

Assuming that you don't have an "auto" machine, I think you should ask your doctor to request a loaner apap from the DME. You could use the auto to home titrate.

Or, you can use what your co-pay would have been with a new sleep study, and buy your own Apap. Your old prescription is still valid at cpap.com

dsm · Post by **dsm** » Sun Mar 11, 2007 10:05 pm

Weight loss will work for some but not others - depends on the type of Apnea one has & the throat neck structure.

Self managed to shake off a similar total weight loss (30 lbs) over 6-8 months. A couple of weeks back I did a PSG but instead of being tirated at cms 13 as I was 20 months back, am now at cms 12

In my case my weight is now at a level that gets me out of the 'overweight' category but in the recent sleep study they were using a CMS of 8 for the early part of the night, then they say they were registering hypopneas & SpO2 desats & these didn't go until they ramped cms up to 12.

So, have accepted that getting down to 180 lbs (am 6ft tall) has done little to reduce my SA & reliance on cpap therapy.

But - good luck, weightloss is to healthy levels is usually very beneficial.

DSM