Auto Pap and weight gain

[SleepyDeb]

As mentioned in my previous post, I have been using apap since last August. Unfortunately, I am one of those few who have gained much weight - rather than lose - during this time period - 10 to 15 pounds. While I have not increased my eating or reduced physical activity, the pounds keep appearing. It is so distressful. Recently (about a month ago), I began fasting 16 hours a day. I don't eat after 8 p.m. and have my first meal of the day at noon. This seems to help keep me at the same weight - but I haven't lost any of what I gained. I was wondering if any of you have gained weight and what you have done about it, if anything.

[Morchella]

I immediately gained 5 lbs in 2 weeks when I started CPAP -- entirely water weight, as far as I can tell.

In the preceding two years, I had had a lot of medical testing done, both for my "mysterious" fatigue (turned out to be common garden variety OSA, but because I'm a skinny woman no one ever thought of apnea until my dad suggested it) and for a severe allergy that I developed. Every time I had a blood draw, the tech had to dig around for a decent vein, and one time they even sent me home to hydrate for 24 hours before trying again. Because the only other time I've ever had blood drawn was when I was pregnant (sure had no problems with blood volume then!) I thought this was normal for me.

A couple weeks after CPAP, I was at the allergist's office for my regularly scheduled check-up, and the tech goes, "Ooo, great veins!" and I thought she was being sarcastic. But I looked down and there they were, big, blue beautiful veins! That's when I weighed myself and discovered the weight jump. I think it all went to increased blood plasma.

Apparently there can be a CPAP/water retention link for some people -- the increased intra-thoracic pressure at night slows down venous return a bit, which reduces cardiac output, and sometimes the kidneys want more output for proper functioning so they send signals to retain water to increase the blood volume further.

To venture into TMI territory for a moment, when I sleep all night with my CPAP, I pee a lot less than I used to in the morning. If I take the mask off early and sleep for the last two hours without it, the "fluid clearance" (shall we say) is a lot more like what I was used to.

Short version: I think fluid dynamics play a big role in CPAP and weight.

[Julie]

Definitely see your doctor re this - it's not normal and your fasting arbitrarily is not a good idea at all. You need your thyroid and blood sugar checked.

[SleepyDeb]

Just had all that checked in last 3 weeks - all fine. My thyroid meds are doing the trick. Actually, fasting is safe and effective for many people. thanks.

[Mudrock63]

Deb:

I have experienced the same thing. Gained 10-15 lbs. since starting therapy in October 2015. Weight gain seems to have plateaued at this point. Not too worried about it as I was lean to begin with. I consider it as my body returning to its "natural" weight after many years with an undiagnosed, unhealthy condition. I would rather carry a little extra weight than go around with walking dead fatigue.

[BlackSpinner]

I gained too. I think it is because with proper sleep your digestive system works "better".

Reduce your carb in take and increase your activity.

[SleepyDeb]

Thanks, All. Good to hear I'm not alone.

[chunkyfrog]

I need to keep my total calories down, as well as severely limiting carbs.
Unless you are active, grains, sugar, and potatoes are not your friend.