Surgery and CPAP?

lawdognellie · Post by **lawdognellie** » Fri May 04, 2007 11:22 pm

I am having gastric bypass this summer (yippee) and was wondering if anyone else has had any type of surgery while on CPAP. How does it work? Do I use my machine while on the operating table? What's the procedure?

Sarah

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Sat May 05, 2007 12:33 am

Sarah, I'm not a doctor and haven't had surgery under anesthesia but once in my life...long, long time ago. But I think during the surgery you'd be intubated, so no you wouldn't need to be on cpap during the surgery itself.

I guess it would depend on what your team of doctors -- especially the bariatric surgeon -- advised as to when you'd be able to use cpap again.

Ted (nickname on the board is "Titrator") had bariatric surgery. He could fill you in on that. Before his surgery he had been using bipap at very high pressures. After losing over 100 lbs he's now using just 10 or 11 cms, I think. Quite an improvement in so many ways for him.

You might send him a PM. Or perhaps he'll notice this post. He works for cpap.com on the phone support lines.

Julie · Post by **Julie** » Sat May 05, 2007 3:11 am

Hi, what usually happens is that you wear your mask (use the Cpap) while in Recovery, then in your room whenever you need it. It's important to tell not only your surgeon (even if only right before the procedure) but also the anesthetist who will talk to you then also, about OSA. Ask the hospital before you go in if there's any problem in bringing in your own equipment (and how well they will take care of it as security's a huge problem in most hospitals), or else make sure they have equipment available (they should!). Your MD should be able to help with that, but I wouldn't assume he'll get to it.

RickSt · Post by **RickSt** » Sat May 05, 2007 7:01 pm

When I went for bypass surgery the hospital called me and told me to bring my cpap machine with me. Once the intubation tube is taken out and you're back in your room you'll be allowed to use your machine. They have cpap machines at some hospitals but they'd rather you bring your own because of your own personal pressure settings.

Rick