Weight Loss CAN Work!

[suntan]

After my original sleep study and diagnosis in July of last year, I decided to opt for a program of weight-loss, instead of CPAP at that time. I understood that I might still have to become a slave to a machine, but I was willing to try anything to avoid it, so I researched a lot of health and diet programs, and found one that seemed to suit my needs, and was particularly thorough in the overall health aspects, and very strict in overseeing the program medically. As a result, since Sept. I have lost 126 lbs, with about 60 more to go. I feel healthier than I have in years, and my energy level is ridiculous. I am a 67year-old female, who weighed 315lbs just 8 months ago and walked with 2 canes. As of this morning I weigh 188lbs, and I threw away the canes before Xmas last year. But the best news of all is, just today I received the results of a repeat sleep study I did at the end of March, and the diagnosis reads:- Normal polysomnogram! I am so elated, also to learn that my Epworth sleepiness scale was 02 (8 in the first study). My BMI is 36.8 (51 last time). My 02sat was 92% (nadir of 71% last time). In the first study I had significant leg movements, NONE this time. In the first study, I exhibited moderate-severe snoring, NONE this time. SO, in some cases, weight loss CAN cure apnea, but more importantly, it will undoubtedly improve anyones ability to handle this unfortunate condition. I do hope that some of you will take heart at my results, and do your utmost to improve your own situation. It's not easy, but it is so worth it!!! Good Luck!!

[Snoozin' Bluezzz]

Not spam folks - a fellow traveler.

Congratulations to you. I believe in the same possibility for myself since my OSA has gotten progressively worse as I gain weight. I need the therapy to have a chance to get the weight off though.

I give you joy in your accomplishment and hope you sustain it for the rest of your life.

SB

[reval]

Small note: this only works if your apnea is related to your weight. The (false) assumption that if you have OSAS, you have to be obese is often made.
When I was diagnosed with severe OSAS, my BMI was 22.

[Guest]

But the best news of all is, just today I received the results of a repeat sleep study I did at the end of March, and the diagnosis reads:- Normal polysomnogram! I am so elated, also to learn that my Epworth sleepiness scale was 02 (8 in the first study). My BMI is 36.8 (51 last time). My 02sat was 92% (nadir of 71% last time). In the first study I had significant leg movements, NONE this time. In the first study, I exhibited moderate-severe snoring, NONE this time. SO, in some cases, weight loss CAN cure apnea, but more importantly, it will undoubtedly improve anyones ability to handle this unfortunate condition. I do hope that some of you will take heart at my results, and do your utmost to improve your own situation. It's not easy, but it is so worth it!!! Good Luck!!

CONGRATULATIONS!

I'm so glad you had the followup PSG to prove your sleep apnea was cured. Now we have proof weight loss can work. Since the majority of us are overweight, this is a great incentive to shed those extra pounds. It is such a hard thing to do. Obviously it's a very hard thing to do, when you consider the fact we find it easier to strap a mask on our faces every night and deal with all the trials and tribulations of CPAP therapy than to lose weight!

I would only caution anyone who does lose weight to have the followup PSG to see if it cured their apnea. Many have lost weight and assumed they were cured, but weren't. Many have lost weight, had the followup PSG and discovered they still had OSA, but their pressure requirement was reduced. In any case, losing weight can only be good for us.

Congratulations suntan! You are an inspiration!

BTW, suntan, what was your AHI on your original sleep study when you were diagnosed with OSA and what was your AHI on your followup?

[needingu]

[quote="suntan"]After my original sleep study and diagnosis in July of last year,
***
BRAVO! BRAVO! I am so pleased for you.....I could lose 20 lbs but more would be too much...I've been working on that..

[linda b]

I would love to know how you did it! That is a remarkable amount of weight to lose is such a short period of time. Please, share with us more detail on how you did it.

My whole-hearted and jealous as **** CONGRATULATIONS!

[krousseau]

I don't feel like I'm a slave to the machine-it is my tool-it has no use if I don't plug it in at night and put on my mask-and express my gratitude for the treatment that is available to maintain my health.

What the sleep clinic told me was that weight loss helps most if your BMI is 40 or over-generally speaking that is around 100 pounds overweight. And sometimes the weight loss does not "cure" the OSA. I'm not saying this to discourage anyone from losing weight-just that for me the goal has to be more than "curing" the OSA. Otherwise I'll regain very rapidly if it doesn't help the OSA. I also want to lose slowly as its unlikely my 65 year old skin will shrink quickly.

[Guest]

Congrats on the weights loss!!

When I was diagnosed almost a year ago my BMI was 32. I have since lost 57 pounds and my BMI is now 24. A few nights ago I decided to experiment and went without my CPAP. Hubby reported that I started gasping and jerking just like before so I won't try that again any time soon. However, I have downadjusted my pressure from 8 to 6 and I seem to be doing fine. The only realy way to tell is to have a study, something I am sure my dr will recommend next month during my physical.

[Ellen]

I am so proud of you - I'm not very overweight but cannot seem to even keep the willpower to lose what little I need to lose SO I APPLAUD YOU. And I am so glad the weightloss worked for you as far as sleep study.

WHAT AN INCREDIBLE ACCOMPLISHMENT!!!!

Sincere congrats to you from Wyoming

[Guest]

Follow-up to "Weight Loss CAN Work!"

Thanks guys for your congratulatory sentiments. Snoozin' Bluezzz:- I wish you all the best in making a weight adjustment along with your therapy, you will find it beneficial in so many ways.
reval:- I do know that OSAS affects all types of people, I was just trying to encourage weight loss for those who need it, as it can only improve their current condition.
Guest:- You are absolutely right about stressing the follow-up PSG, as even a slight change in stats can affect your day to day comfort. I was extremely lucky to have been able to cure my apnea without ever having to succumb to the dreaded "night visitor". But as you pointed out, one cannot make assumptions re: weight loss/cure. Your question:- My AHI on the first study was 23; on the second, 4.9.
needingu:- I whole-heartedly encourage you to look into a weight-loss program to lose those 20lbs. You will feel so much better, and like me, will probably have a smile on your face most of the time. Good Luck!
linda b:- My health had deteriorated so much that I needed 2 canes to walk, and could only climb stairs one at a time. At a young 67yrs, I knew I had to act, and the diagnosis of OSAS was the trigger. I looked into most of the programs available today, including local groups who have banded together following the South Beach and Atkin's Diets etc. One program that stood out for me was the Dr. Bernstein Health and Diet Clinic. There are clinics all over Canada, but as far as I know, only 4 in the U.S. - 2 in Florida and 2 in Virginia. I don't know if there is an equivalent program there. Basically, we are fully screened before we begin, having an EEG and chest X-Ray, and clearance from our GPs. We are given a complete blood work-up, and we give our medical history. The diet regimen is quite strict, and includes 4 food groups. Protein: 3 1/2 oz. per meal. Veg: 8 oz. per meal. Fruit: Selection off the list. Bread substitutes: Selection off the list. If you need to lose over 100lbs, you have 3 meals a day, less than 100 it's 2 meals a day. Believe me, even tho' this sounds like very little food it truly is enough! I have not once felt hungry, in fact, have sometimes felt stuffed!! I soon realized that even tho' I always ate healthy food, I ate way too much, so already I have changed my entire way of eating, and that is the secret. I know I will never be fat again!! The other good thing about this Clinic, is the staff. They are all nurses, and I attend 3 times a week, to check my diet sheet (everything I eat or drink, I write down), receive a Vit.B shot, talk about any concerns etc. I supplement my diet with Potassium, Fish-oil, Calcium/Magnesium w/Vit.D, Vit.C, and a Multi-Vit. Every 8 weeks more blood-work is done, and every 2 weeks I see the in-house Doctor to ensure everything is O.K. Another very important part of the diet is fluid. We must drink at least 8-10 glasses a day, altho' I personally drink about 12-15 a day. If there's anything more you wish to know I'll be happy to tell you. Oh, yes, it is quite expensive, as I'm retired on a fixed income, but they gave me a break because of that, for which I am eternally grateful. But when it came down to paying $1200 for a machine which I didn't want, (that's over and above the gov. subsidy), or freeing myself from the shackles of quivering blubber, (and feeling good to boot), it was a no-brainer. I'm in a good place now, and feel young again, even tho' I still have about 60+lbs to go, but it is not a question of "if" I will do it, but "by when". Hope this helps, linda b.
I just thought of something, and maybe someone who has experienced this can give you more info. When I started losing weight, the first place it noticed was my face, and now my facial contours are completely different. This obviously will have an effect on your mask fittings, but I don't know what that really means as I fortunately never had to go that route, but it is food for thought. Cheers everyone!

[krousseau]

That is quite an accomplishment. Sounds sort of like a gastric bypass diet WITHOUT the surgery to give you a smaller stomach.