Obstructive Sleep Apnea

In its report, Wake up America: A National Sleep Alert, the National Commission on Sleep Disorders Research estimated that as many as 18 million Americans might have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with an apnea hypopnea index (AHI) >5.0 events per hour of sleep. One study suggests the prevalence of OSA in morbidly obese patients is as high as 70%.^22,23

The vast majority of Americans with OSA often go undiagnosed and untreated; recommended treatment involves positive airway pressure (PAP) and weight loss. As obesity is one of the most important risk factors for OSA, the Standards of Practice Committee of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine has recommended weight loss in the treatment of OSA in morbidly obese patients.²⁴

In a study of 313 patients with a BMI >35 who underwent LAGB surgery, 123 patients reported at the 12 month follow-up that habitual snoring was reduced to 14% (preoperative value, 82%), observed sleep apnea to 2% (preoperative value, 33%), abnormal daytime sleepiness to 4% (preoperative value, 39%), and poor sleep quality to 2% (preoperative value, 39%) (P<.001 for all).⁹

Severely obese patients with OSA may be candidates for LAP-BAND^® System surgery.

Relevant Links:
Physician Resources—OSA
Standards of Care—OSA