weight loss surgery and c-pap

wildangel718 · Post by **wildangel718** » Fri Mar 24, 2006 9:47 pm

Hi all...

Has anyone on this list had gastric bypass surgery and gone off CPAP?
I'm having my surgery this coming Tuesday and looking forward to feeling better physically. I've looked on FAQ's but did not see anything addressed.

I am bothered though by the fact that I cannot bring my own machine. I can bring my mask and "if the machine is available I can use it during my stay. I can see part of the reasoning behind that, but basically it boils down to a liability issue I'm afraid. Kind of ironic that the hospital has one of the only certified sleep study lab and M.D. around for miles. Oh well....

Thanks for letting me vent some!

Carol (aka Wild)

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Fri Mar 24, 2006 10:30 pm

wildangel718 wrote:Hi all...

Has anyone on this list had gastric bypass surgery and gone off CPAP?
I'm having my surgery this coming Tuesday and looking forward to feeling better physically. I've looked on FAQ's but did not see anything addressed.

I am bothered though by the fact that I cannot bring my own machine. I can bring my mask and "if the machine is available I can use it during my stay. I can see part of the reasoning behind that, but basically it boils down to a liability issue I'm afraid. Kind of ironic that the hospital has one of the only certified sleep study lab and M.D. around for miles. Oh well....

Thanks for letting me vent some!

Carol (aka Wild)

People have reported their experience with weightloss surgery - titrator (Ted) being the last to do so. I don't remember anyone coming back to say "I'm off cpap" but they've needed less pressure. Use the "search" button on top the page if you want more specific info.

Edited out text about the cpap - Darth - about aerophage (next post) made a lot of sense, and I reread titrators post viewtopic.php?t=5284&highlight=surgery

O.

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Darth Vader Look · Post by **Darth Vader Look** » Fri Mar 24, 2006 11:11 pm

Hi Carol,

There are 2 reasons I can think of as to why the hospital will not let you use your CPAP after the operation but don't let that deter you from bringing it. Just make sure they don't loose it on you. Also make sure that they are aware of your apnea if it makes you feel more at ease.

The first and most likely reason I can think of is that the stomach is usually reduced by placing staples (staples is a bad term, clips is better) on it to close some of it up. Some of the small intestine is also bypassed. The problem comes into play if you were to have aerophagia or swallowing air into your stomach. There could be some serious repercussions from that and the pressure build up like vomiting which could cause you to aspirate the vomit and/or it could possibly mess with the staples by dislodging them. And it could even be worse.

The second reason is the hospital doesn't know how well calibrated your unit is, how clean it and the air that it is pumping through it is. They may not want to chance using that right after any operation and may supply you with their own unit.

There may be other reasons that I am not aware of so ask your surgeon why and see what s/he says. Good luck with your surgery and hope that it works for you .

inacpapfog · Post by **inacpapfog** » Sat Mar 25, 2006 7:04 am

Good point, Darth, about the reduced capacity of the stomach and the effects that cpap aerophagia may cause after such surgery! I never thought of that! I wonder if many patients have that residual problem?

TerryB · Post by **TerryB** » Sat Mar 25, 2006 7:19 am

I'm schedule for a colonoscopy Wednesday and the Dr. said to bring mine she said the anestitologist will want me to be on it when I am out (IV type anest.)

I would certainly recommend taking it with you and STRONGly suggesting that they get you on a machine whenever it is medically propper to do so.

Good luck,

TerryB

wildangel718 · Post by **wildangel718** » Sat Mar 25, 2006 9:50 am

Thanks to all that replied. You all gave much valid input. I had never even thought about the possible air in the stomach.
I know that when I spoke to the anesthesiologist he told me that since I woke up on a ventilator once after a laproscopic procedure, and that air introduced during the lap procedure would displace all organs around and put pressure on the lungs, etc. that he would be more apt to leave the intubation until I woke up on my own instead of extubating me as I'm coming out from anesthesia. Great! that was such a wonderful feeling -- waking up on a machine!
I think I will drop off an email to my doc and reference the air issue. We'll see how he replies. Keep you posted!
Thanks again! Carol

Titrator · Post by **Titrator** » Sat Mar 25, 2006 11:12 am

Hi Carol,

I had the RNY done on Oct 28th, 2005. I have lost 80 pounds so far and my pressure has dropped from 19cm to 11cm.

The weightloss process takes roughly 18 months, and I am 70 pounds from my expected weightloss, so they say I am on track. Thus far I have lost 10 inches on my waist, and 4 inches from my neck. The neck size and belly size really helps bring down the cpap pressure.

I spent 5 days in the hospital without my bipap and I was fine. They keep you on an O2 canula the entire time you are there, plus they have a pulse oxy meter on you constantly. You will be well cared for.

The surgery is easy, and I didn't have any pain. Learning how to eat again is a challenge, but since you will be losing weight and feeling better, it is worth every second of the time and effort.

I know you must be nervous, but there is no need to be. You will be fine. Just get up and walk as soon as you can. I was power-walking in the ICU the night of the surgery. It helps keep your lungs clear to be up and active as much as possible.

Regards,

Ted the Titrator

weight loss surgery and c-pap

weight loss surgery and c-pap

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