In 2019 alone, an estimated 278,000 people underwent bariatric surgery, and bariatric surgery is becoming increasingly more common. The procedure is best for those with a BMI above 40% and who meet certain weight and health requirements. Whether or not a person will have a successful bariatric surgery, however, depends on the individual. Adhering to the special diet prescribed by your doctor, exercising, and quitting smoking all will affect the outcome of your bariatric procedure.
Another way to improve the success of your bariatric procedure results is to treat any medical conditions which may occur comorbidly, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea. For those who suffer from sleep apnea, treating this sleep disorder can make a surprisingly dramatic improvement in your weight loss results.
That’s because when you are better rested, you can function better during the day. When you have sleep apnea, your sleep is fragmented at best, causing you to snore, toss and turn, struggle to breathe, and wake frequently. This can cause cognitive impairment during the day, as well as lethargy, sluggishness, and even depression – none of which bode well for staying fit and active.
It is for this precise reason that it is recommended that any patient considering bariatric surgery undergo screening for sleep apnea via a sleep study. A sleep study will either rule out or confirm a sleep apnea diagnosis, opening the door for treatment options.
For those looking to treat sleep apnea, we recommend a sleep orthotic from Dr. Abelar. A sleep orthotic is custom made to fit your individual mouth and fits comfortably in a similar fashion to a nightguard or retainer. It is easy to wear, easy to insert and remove, easy to clean, and requires no machinery, tubing, or forced air.
The benefits to treating sleep apnea with a sleep orthotic are multifold. In addition to simply getting a better night’s sleep, treating sleep apnea has been found to reduce the signs and symptoms of diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, and more. If you are undergoing bariatric surgery and have sleep apnea, speak to Dr. Abelar about treating your sleep apnea with a sleep orthotic.
