Do you toss and turn all night? Or sometimes wake up suddenly feeling like you’re choking or can’t breathe?

You wake up in the morning and find that your partner is sleeping in another room because your snoring was so loud it sounded like a freight train. You might have a condition called sleep apnea.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a disorder where a person’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.

These pauses in breathing can last from a few seconds to minutes, often occurring many times throughout the night.

This disrupts sleep and reduces oxygen supply to the body. The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where throat muscles relax and block the airway. Many obese patients who visit us have OSA. Medical research shows that a 10% weight increase is linked to a sixfold rise in risk.

Living with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Here’s how people with obstructive sleep apnea describe their experience:

“My partner says I snore so loudly, it sounds like a freight train. They often have to sleep in another room.”

“Sometimes I wake up suddenly feeling like I’m choking or can’t breathe.”

“I’m exhausted all the time. Even after sleeping for 8 hours, I feel like I haven’t slept at all. I struggle to stay awake at work and have almost dozed off while driving.”

“I wake up most mornings with a dull headache that usually goes away after a few hours.”

“I’m irritable all the time. Little things that never used to bother me now set me off.”

“I toss and turn all night. Sometimes I wake up multiple times and have trouble falling back asleep.”

“My doctor says my blood pressure is high, even though I’ve never had issues with it before.”

How Obesity Increases the Risk and Severity of Sleep Apnea

Excess weight creates extra tissue that narrows the airway, especially around the neck and throat, making it more likely to become blocked during sleep.

In obese people, fat builds up in the upper airway, making it smaller and more prone to collapse.

Pressure on the chest wall from excess weight can make it harder for the lungs to expand, affecting breathing during sleep.

Obesity can also change hormone levels, affecting breathing control and sleep.

It’s a vicious cycle: sleep apnea leads to poor sleep and daytime fatigue, causing less exercise and more eating, which leads to weight gain, worsening obesity, and sleep apnea.

Health Impacts of Untreated Sleep Apnea

OSA can harm the body, especially if left untreated. It affects the heart, lungs, hormones, nerves, and gut.

Breathing stops, oxygen levels drop, and the brain signals blood vessels to tighten, increasing blood pressure to boost oxygen flow to the heart and brain.

These oxygen drops and blood pressure spikes stress the heart, damage blood vessels, and promote plaque buildup, raising the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Repeated breathing pauses cause chronically low blood oxygen levels (hypoxemia).

Poor sleep affects hormone production and regulation, including growth hormone, cortisol, and leptin.

Lack of good sleep and intermittent hypoxia can damage brain cells, impairing memory and thinking.

Sleep apnea also causes insulin resistance and hormonal changes that promote fat buildup in the liver.

Breaking the Cycle with Bariatric Surgery

Weight loss is a key factor in treating obstructive sleep apnea, and bariatric surgery is becoming an important treatment option for patients.

Studies show over 75% of patients see an improvement in their sleep apnea post-bariatric surgery, often within weeks.

7 Ways Bariatric Surgery Helps Treat Sleep Apnea

Significant Weight Loss: As a person loses excess weight, especially around the neck and upper airway, it reduces the physical blockage that causes sleep apnea.

Reduced Neck Fat: Less neck fat cuts the soft tissue that can block the airway during sleep.

Reduced Belly Fat: Less belly fat reduces pressure on the diaphragm, making it easier to breathe, especially when lying down.

Improved Lung Function: Weight loss increases lung size and helps reduce sleep apnea severity.

Hormonal Changes: Bariatric surgery changes hormone levels that regulate appetite and metabolism, indirectly affecting sleep apnea.

Reduced Inflammation: Weight loss following surgery can reduce chronic low-grade inflammation that can cause sleep apnea.

Better Glucose Control: Improved glucose control after surgery may benefit the nerves that control upper airway muscles.

Benefits of Bariatric Surgery Beyond Sleep Apnea

Bariatric surgery can treat sleep apnea and upgrade your entire body. Sleeping better means less heart risk, lower blood pressure, and more restful, focused, and happy feelings. It also means more energy and much more.

Dr. Shashank Shah is one of the best weight loss surgeons in India. He has performed over 10,000 bariatric procedures. Take a step towards better health today and schedule your consultation.

Yes, chronic stress is the most dangerous silent killer that’s not yet taken seriously. Everyone is different, and everyone’s body reacts to stress in different ways. Some people are more prone to certain conditions, while others are less affected. Regardless, chronic stress is one of the most dangerous issues. Yet, most people do not even realize that they have chronic stress. However, it starts showing up in their body in many ways

Let me share with you some conditions that are caused by stress:

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): Constant stress can lead to an overactive immune response and hormonal imbalances, resulting in severe, persistent fatigue.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol increase heart rate and constrict blood vessels, putting a person at risk for heart disease and stroke.

Alopecia Areata: Stress triggers an immune response where the body attacks its own hair follicles, leading to hair loss.

Broken Heart Syndrome (Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy): This condition mimics a heart attack but is triggered by extreme emotional stress rather than clogged arteries. Stress hormones like adrenaline temporarily stun the heart.

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND): Stress and psychological trauma disrupt normal nervous system functioning, leading to real physical symptoms without a neurological disease.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Stress affects the gut-brain interaction, altering gut motility and sensitivity, causing chronic abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits.

Psoriasis: Stress can trigger an immune response that leads to rapid skin cell turnover, causing red, scaly patches on the skin.

Stress-Induced Asthma: Stress can cause the airways to become hyperresponsive, leading to asthma symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath.

Obesity: Stress leads to emotional eating, irregular eating, less physical activity, insulin resistance, hormonal imbalance, and fat accumulation.

I could go on and on.

I’ve consulted thousands of patients and, just by talking to them and asking about their work and life, I could see how their chronic stress triggered their conditions, and they had no clue.

You never know how stress is eating your body from the inside.

So, no matter how busy you are,

1. Do some exercise

2. Practice meditation or yoga

3. Cut out junk food and eat healthily

4. Sleep at least 7 hours

5. Pick a hobby and have some fun

Taking these steps can help mitigate the harmful effects of chronic stress and improve your overall well-being. Stress can induce obesity

However, bariatric surgery can help those with severe obesity and stress of different types.

Bariatric surgery is a life-changing procedure for people with morbid obesity..

This surgery helps them lose a lot of weight and become much healthier.

It can also improve or even fix obesity related problems like diabetes, heart disease, and sleep apnea.

However, understanding the insurance details for bariatric surgery can be tricky.

They can be confusing. You need to know what to expect. You need to understand how bariatric surgery insurance works.

This will make the process as smooth as possible on the journey to better health.

Here’s a Comprehensive Guide to Bariatric Surgery Insurance

Dr. Shashank Shah is one of the best doctors for bariatric surgery. His team answers common insurance questions about bariatric surgery. This helps patients get ready for their journey to better health.

Here we go.

1. Does My Insurance Cover Bariatric Surgery?

Yes, insurance covers bariatric surgery. In October 2020, the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRDA) said that bariatric surgery is not just for looks.

It is an important treatment for people who are very overweight.

Because of this, insurance companies must help pay for bariatric surgery.

They must do so if the patient meets certain requirements.

2. What Are the Requirements for Insurance Approval?

To get insurance to cover bariatric surgery, patients usually need a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher.

Sometimes, patients with a BMI of 35 or higher can also get coverage. They qualify if they have health problems caused by obesity… like diabetes, heart disease, or sleep apnea.

These rules help make sure that only people who really need the surgery get it.

3. What Documentation Do I Need to Provide?

You will need to give a full medical history to your insurance company.

This includes records of your BMI and any health problems related to obesity. You will also need a letter from your doctor.

It should explain why bariatric surgery is vital for your health. This letter is very important for getting insurance approval.

4. Is a Referral from a Primary Care Physician Required?

Yes, most insurance plans need a referral from your primary care doctor or a specialist. This is a note from your doctor.

It says that bariatric surgery is important for your health. Having your main doctor involved helps ensure your health is cared for.

This happens before and after the surgery.

5. What Pre-Operative Tests and Evaluations Are Needed?

Before the surgery, you will need some tests and evaluations. These often include a psychological evaluation, nutrition counseling, and medical tests.

These tests include blood tests, an ECG, and sometimes a sleep study. These tests help make sure you are ready for surgery.

They also check for health problems related to obesity.

6. What Is the Approval Process and How Long Does It Take?

To get approval, you must send all the needed documents to your insurance company.

They will look at the documents and decide if they will cover the surgery. This process can take a few weeks to a few months.

It’s important to check with your insurance company often. You want to see how your application is going.

7. What Are the Out-of-Pocket Costs?

Even with insurance, you might still have some out-of-pocket costs. These costs can include co-pays, deductibles, and any services that are not covered by insurance.

It’s important to talk to your insurance company to understand what costs you might have to pay yourself. Knowing these costs ahead of time can help you plan your finances better.

8. Are Follow-Up Appointments and Post-Surgery Care Covered?

Yes, insurance usually covers follow-up appointments and care after the surgery.

This care includes nutritional counseling and monitoring.

However, you should confirm with your insurance company. You need to know exactly what is covered and if there are any limits.

9. What Happens If My Insurance Claim Is Denied?

If your insurance claim is denied, you can appeal the decision. This means you can ask the insurance company to look at your case again. You might need to send more documents.

For example, detailed medical records or a stronger letter from your doctor. You must follow your insurance company’s rules for appeals.

And, you must meet their deadlines. Being persistent can help you get a successful appeal.

10. Does Insurance Cover Revisions or Additional Procedures?

Insurance plans can be different. Some might cover revision surgeries. They might also cover extra procedures, like skin removal surgery if they are needed.

Many plans will cover revisions if doctors say they are necessary. Talk to your insurance company to understand what is covered.

Sometimes, more procedures are needed to get better results. They also fix issues after surgery.

About Dr. Shashank Shah

Dr. Shashank Shah is a top expert and has a trusted name in bariatric surgery. He has performed over 10000+ bariatric surgeries.

For more personalized advice and comprehensive care, consult Dr. Shashank Shah. His team can guide you through the details of bariatric surgery insurance.

They can help you meet your health goals. You make informed decisions with their guidance throughout the process. You can start your journey to better health.