CPAP weight loss, um NO !

[mrnetwurm]

I was told that one of the possible (or probable) benefits of CPAP is that most people
lose weight once they start getting quality sleep.

Well, its not working. My pattern of gaining a couple pounds every month for the past 2 years
is continuing. I think maybe it's because I now spend more time awake. I used to nap whenever
I could and ended up sleeping an awful lot.

Now, I think I am awake more often, so I have even more time to eat ! ! !

[davelikesbeer]

I was told that one of the possible (or probable) benefits of CPAP is that most people
lose weight once they start getting quality sleep.

Well, its not working. My pattern of gaining a couple pounds every month for the past 2 years
is continuing. I think maybe it's because I now spend more time awake. I used to nap whenever
I could and ended up sleeping an awful lot.

Now, I think I am awake more often, so I have even more time to eat ! ! !

My opinion is that it is more "possible" than probable. With more quality sleep, you have more energy. With more energy, you have the more will to exercise. However, if you are not burning more calories than you consume, you will continue to gain weight.

[Janknitz]

I gained weight because I knew I could eat later and enjoy dairy products in the evening without reflux.

[Resister]

Bleh--I have reflux now which I'd never had before. Thankfully controllable with Tums.

Nope, my weight loss is hard fought with diet.

[RandyJ]

I was told that one of the possible (or probable) benefits of CPAP is that most people
lose weight once they start getting quality sleep.

I think this is based on the idea that if one is sleeping well and feels more rested upon awakening and throughout the day, one will have the energy needed to devote to exercise and a more active lifestyle (and therefore jumpstart metabolism, etc.)

I struggle with this myself, even if I feel capable of exercising, the path of least resistance will lead to my sofa, where I will definitely not lose weight...

Good luck

[Bluecat]

I probably would not have lost weight just by using my APAP.
But, 3 months into treatment, I decided to try a diet again (in fact, just being careful about what I eat and how much, no more chips with mayonnaise ). It had NEVER worked before. Now it does. I have lost quite a bit of weight since May (55 lbs) and the only thing different from all the other times is that my apnea is treated.
So I think weight loss must be a combination of less food (the brain asks for less, and no eating just to remain awake) and more activity (better sleep = more energy), helped by CPAP treatment.

[jabman]

I would have to agree with the more energy thing.
For me I changed the way I eat, Less carbs, smaller portions, and walking at least a half an hour a day ( I have actuall haven't been walking alot though ).
I have lost over 40lbs since last year.

[jamiswolf]

HI Folks,
I was diagnosed 3 months ago and have 2 months of treatment under my belt. Even though CPAP isn't going well, I have still lost 20 pounds during that time.

But that's mostly from exercise (30 minutes daily on stationary bike) and paleo diet. The obstructive component to my apnea is clearly weight related and I'm highly motivated to lose weight to improve my breathing.
Jamis

[Muse-Inc]

My senses woke up soon after I became a hosehead. Luckily, I was already eating ultra-low carb or I'd have gained...a lot! Food was suddenly yummy! I had the energy to cook, and, wow, food smelled wonderful

[chunkyfrog]

In my first 9 months on CPAP, I lost 8 pounds--mostly due to not needing to eat myself awake all day long.
After that, I had to use low carb to remove an additional 30 pounds (so far).
Good sleep has given me the energy I needed to shop, cook, and eat properly--to say nothing of piling on
the steps in my pedometer. As the pounds have vanished, the energy has compounded.
I still have to battle my lazy self to get the exercise in--even though it's mostly walking.
I also have to fight my inner sloth in order to replace bad carbs with high protein and nutritious fruit and veggie choices.
The difference is phenomenal. I am so grateful that cpap got the ball rolling for me.
After over three decades of frustration--yes, finally; success!

[MidnightOwl]

I've begun to think that sleep doctors lie about this in the hopes that promising weight loss with improve compliance.

[Jaylee]

I am 100% compliant and I have not lost any weight.

[Airplaneman]

I am new to CPAP but I can alrady see the potential. 4-6 cups of coffe at 100 calroies has dropped to 1-3. The usueal snacks before the nap before dinner was 300-600 calories and I am able to skip both. More energy and clear thinking to be more active and resist excess eating. Ill report back in the future.
-Airplane

[BlackSpinner]

I was told that one of the possible (or probable) benefits of CPAP is that most people
lose weight once they start getting quality sleep.

Well, its not working. My pattern of gaining a couple pounds every month for the past 2 years
is continuing. I think maybe it's because I now spend more time awake. I used to nap whenever
I could and ended up sleeping an awful lot.

Now, I think I am awake more often, so I have even more time to eat ! ! !

A lot of this has to do with bad habits started much earlier. We ate to stay awake and deal with the emotional distress caused by the OSA.
Now you are more awake, you can move a lot more but we don't because we have allowed ourselves to be conditioned to stay on the couch because we still think we are too tired when we are not. You need to ask yourself why are you eating more. What are you trying to accomplish with that.

Being more awake can also mean being more aware. About 3 months after I started I decided to start therapy to help me deal with my emotional eating.

So instead of choosing to use the awake time to shove more food into my mouth, I chose to use it to heal.

[jamiswolf]

BlackSpinner wrote: So instead of choosing to use the awake time to shove more food into my mouth, I chose to use it to heal.

Hi all,

I know of few therapies that have the potential to be life changing. CPAP seems to be one of them. We can embrace the newfound energy and use it for positive change...or we can live our previous life with a little more vigor. Like many issues in life, a decision and aggressive action is needed.

Say BlackSpinner...what would it take for us to see the complete self-portrait that your current avatar was extracted from? I'd like to see it...so one vote of yea.

Cheers,
Jamis