Bariatric surgery for treatment of obesity

Abstract

Obesity and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are tightly interconnected. Both diseases are rapidly increasing in prevalence and adding tremendous cost to health-care systems worldwide. A multitude of studies have demonstrated bariatric surgery, especially Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, an invaluable solution for many patients. Bariatric surgery not only provides profound weight loss but also offers resolution or significant improvements in obesity-related comorbidities including OSA. After surgical weight loss occurs, the bariatric patient can expect fewer apnea/hypopnea events, improved sleep efficiency, improved or resolved CPAP requirements, better sleepiness score, and improved quality of life. Therefore, these transformations will translate into more rested, more productive, overall safer, and healthier population.