A new sleep disorder study reveals that symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea in bariatric surgery patients are not visible, according to Bel Marra Health.
The researchers at the Rhode Island Hospital found that majority of bariatric surgery patients have clinical obstructive sleep apnea but report fewer symptoms, compared to other sleep disorder patients.
Lead researcher Dr. Katherine M. Sharkey said, “Patients with obstructive sleep apnea frequently complain of sleepiness during the daytime, loss of motivation and interest in activities, as well as poor concentration and memory recall. However, we found that while the vast majority of patients considering bariatric surgery for treatment of obesity have clinically significant OSA, they report fewer symptoms, and may be attributing daytime napping and decreased functioning to something other than a sleep disorder.”
There is a high prevalence of sleep apnea among obese individuals which increases the risk of negative health outcomes, like high blood pressure and heart-related problems.
The study looked at 269 patients who had sleep evaluations prior to bariatric surgery. Of the group, nearly 60 percent had moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea that was not previously diagnosed. Even with the high prevalence, these patients reported fewer symptoms.
could it also be that know they have the symptoms but they deny, or dont want to state the symptoms in the hopes of getting to the surgery without going through a sleep study ? Maybe they have learned that by disclosing the symptoms will increase their chances to add yet another pretest to their schedules, prior to being approved for bariatric surgery