Weight Loss/Air in Stomach??

[bworthey]

I've recently lost between 75-80lbs, and I still have about 50/60 to go, maybe a little more to get down to where I want to be. When I first started CPAP, I weighed 365, and I probably gained a little more after that - started out with a pressure of 19. I'm now down around 290. At what point do you guys think I should go back to a doctor to have this adjusted possibly? Are there signs that I could tell my pressure is too high? I've started noticing lately I've had a good bit of air in my stomach sometimes, sometimes to the point that it wakes me up because it hurts. I've moved recently so I'm not established with a sleep doctor in my new town yet, so that is one issue I'm dealing with too. I can tell that the weight loss has help with the apnea because I can actually fall asleep on the couch without my mask for a short nap, I used to not be able to do that at all. I've actually fallen asleep in the bed without my mask lately - also something I couldn't do before without my mask - I would start snoring and wake myself up. Anyway, think the air in my stomach is because the pressure is too high for me now?

Thanks!

[Jaylee]

In my own personal situation, my sleep doctor told me that if I lost more than 40 pounds to make another appointment to discuss my pressure.

[bworthey]

Wow - well, I've missed 2 appointments by that then!

[Jaylee]

Wow - well, I've missed 2 appointments by that then!

Yes, I would probably make one soon, then. And congrats on the weight loss.

[SleepingUgly]

If you have a data-capable auto-pap, you could try to tweak your pressures yourself. This is one of the problems I see with people losing/gaining weight and owning a CPAP--it's not easy to titrate. If it's data-capable, you could still try, but it won't be as easy as with an auto-pap.

[bworthey]

Unfortunately, no I don't have a data-capable machine. I was supposed to (long story), but I don't.

[SleepingUgly]

Then you will have to have another titration at some point, and probably many more until you've lost all the weight you need/want to lose.

[Jaylee]

Then you will have to have another titration at some point, and probably many more until you've lost all the weight you need/want to lose.

That sounds expensive.

[bworthey]

Yeah, that's what I'm worried about - I'm wondering if I can just stick it out a bit longer until I've lost that last 50 lbs. I mean, I've made it this far, but I can tell the weight loss has made a difference. I'm not sure what my insurance covers either though. My last insurance was great and covered pretty much all of it. On top of all of that, my wife and I have a baby on the way! Aaaahhhh! By the time I reach my goal weight(s) I'll be down close to 140 lbs, so I know I'll need a new pressure, no doubt - it's just a matter of timing I guess and money for me right now.

No one has really said anything to this though - does the increased air in my stomach mean that I'm at a point where the pressure is possibly too high? It happened again last night. I take my mask off and just start burping! Sorry if that's TMI! Ha! My wife gets mad at me, and I'm like I can't help it! Ha!

B-Worthey

[KatieW]

I suggest talking with your insurance company, to find out exactly what they would cover. An option to a full titration study would be to rent a auto cpap for 2 weeks, to self-titrate at home. Or, if you are able to obtain a new prescription for an auto cpap, would your insurance cover the upgrade? Or, would they require you to have a titration study first, and would they pay for that?

If your insurance won't cover anything, you could consider buying an auto cpap on-line (cpap.com or cpapauction.com), but you will need a copy of your original RX to do that. Some people have found good machines on Craig's List.

It could be that your pressure is too high, but without data, I wouldn't venture to guess. I find that certain foods, or eating too close to bedtime can also cause gas. You could also try raising the head of your bed or sleeping on your left side.

Congratulations on your weight loss and the new baby.

[chunkyfrog]

On the air-swallowing problem: here's a link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lL0GndbTrSE
Good luck!

[SleepingUgly]

You could try a wedge pillow.

[Physician]

I suggest talking with your insurance company, to find out exactly what they would cover. An option to a full titration study would be to rent a auto cpap for 2 weeks, to self-titrate at home. Or, if you are able to obtain a new prescription for an auto cpap, would your insurance cover the upgrade? Or, would they require you to have a titration study first, and would they pay for that?

If your insurance won't cover anything, you could consider buying an auto cpap on-line (cpap.com or cpapauction.com), but you will need a copy of your original RX to do that. Some people have found good machines on Craig's List.

It could be that your pressure is too high, but without data, I wouldn't venture to guess. I find that certain foods, or eating too close to bedtime can also cause gas. You could also try raising the head of your bed or sleeping on your left side.

Congratulations on your weight loss and the new baby.

If your doctor writes a prescription for a different type machine, your insurance will usually provide benefits. So a bi-pap will be covered even if you just got a CPAP. Question is will a CPAP to auto be covered. Perhaps sell yours on FleaBay or Craigslist and upgrade to an APAP.

[lhpangler]

My .02,

I'd find the clinical manual to the machine you have and review the settings and write them down. I would try dropping the pressure setting and see what the machine says. I did not notice which machine, but it might have some reporting function built in to it. You just may need to jot it down on a paper and track for a week after making a change. (AHI/HI/Leak). IMHO.

hope this helps
LHP