questions about weight

[sleepygirl]

I'm guessing that most people on here are men, but here goes .... would the weight of my boobies (LOL) cause extra pressure on my airways? I am very overweight, but very big boned & although I'm bigger all over than I should be, my worst places are my legs, bum, hips, stomach & boobs. Basically, if I look down I have a double chin, but sitting normally my chin looks a lil saggy, like I need to do a few toning exercises, thats all, doesn't seem like I have an excess of fat around my neck (especially for my weight), hope that makes sense.

Also I read that SA causes you to put on weight (messes up your metabolic rate) so once you're started on treatment do most people tend to lose weight, or do you still have to make an extra effort to diet as well?

sleepygirl

[anneliz]

if only

Hiya sleepygirl, if only? wow what a bonus weightloss would but, no quick fixes I'm afraid. The old eat less message is the only way. I would guess I have lost at least 4-5 people over my life time, carrying a half a one around at the minute.
My understanding is that excess weight can cause a problem around the neck/throat area but the boobs???????????? you will have the guys queuing up.

[sleepygirl]

No guys queueing up yet Anneliz lol

sleepygirl

[Joe McManus]

Actually, the "enlarged chest" issue you speak of is very much applicable to obese men too. You are right in thinking it does pile on the pressure on the lungs, making it harder to breathe in fully. At higher CPAP pressures, this could especially be an issue - trying to fill something up that won't budge because of the heavy chest compressing everything below it.

As far as weight gain or loss after CPAP goes, I've heard story both ways. You could argue: Loss because of improved metabolic rate - healthier blood sugar (and cortisol) and oxygen rates. Gain because you sleep less and have more time to eat and eat more to fuel that extra energy.

Have a look at this blog post I did for some further pointers.

[acebass]

As a pleurisy sufferer, I can state that what Joe has said is true, anything that makes it harder for the lungs to work properly makes the Sleep Apnoea worse...

[anneliz]

information

The amount of information you guys have is incredible, I thought I or my husband had asked all the relevent questions pertaining to my current and future health during my visits to Wansbeck Hospital, every time I log in I seem to see something else I didn't know about.
I have just followed the link to Joe's blog on his last post on this thread and the interview re diet ect is very helpful.

[anneliz]

when you say you saw your levels drop how was that? my machine was set at 19 and I wouldn't have any idea how to check if that altered

[anneliz]

yes it is correct the technician who set it told me the machine only goes to 20. I do have problems maintaining the seal but they said I might because of the pressure I need, its set to ramp for 20 minutes and I am almost always asleep before it gets there. It is a bit of a gale but then I do sleep so what can you do?

[anneliz]

yes it is correct the technician who set it told me the machine only goes to 20. I do have problems maintaining the seal but they said I might because of the pressure I need, its set to ramp for 20 minutes and I am almost always asleep before it gets there. It is a bit of a gale but then I do sleep so what can you do?

[anneliz]

Hi
Yes 19 is right the technician who set it told me the machine only goes up to 20, and the did comment that the setting I needed was high?? It ramps for 20 minutes and I usually get to sleep before it gets to full gale, but will it auto set? do you mean that it will go as high as 19 if thats what I need but will offer less if 19 is not needed? how do I check that?

[anneliz]

sorry I haven't lost it !!!!!my computer is playing up and I thought the reply hadn't goninstead its gone 2-3 times apologies......Anne

[anneliz]

I know how to alter the ramp time but thats about it

[gvader]

Hi Anneliz,

If your machine is an S8 Escape, like mine, then sadly it is only a simple little device that puts out whatever pressure it is set at and does not provide any statistics about how you are getting on.

[sleepygirl]

Hey sleepygirl
Us blokes are all thinkin here just how big are they ??????
HAHAHAHA...

LOL if you've got large hands .... then about a handful ;-)

sleepygirl