Sleep Apnea/Respiratory Problems

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when a person's breathing suddenly stops when soft tissue in the rear of the throat collapses and closes during sleep. The greater your excess body weight, the greater the amount of fat pressing down on your chest and lungs. When you are morbidly obese, you are likely to have a greater buildup of fat deposits in the tongue and neck.

Breathing difficulties and shortness of breath with activity are some of the most common symptoms of the overweight patient. Some patients are misdiagnosed as having asthma and receive unnecessary medications that do not alleviate the problem and can even be detrimental to your health.

Weight loss surgery alleviates these sometimes disabling symptoms, and dramatically improves respiratory function.

How does bariatric surgery improve sleep apnea?
Bariatric surgery reduces the body's excess weight including the fat in the tongue and neck. Weight reduction is essential treatment for people with sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea was resolved in 85.7 percent of patients who had gastric bypass surgery.

Many people suffering from sleep apnea go undiagnosed. If you are obese and feel tired and fall asleep during the day, talk to your physician about sleep apnea.