A great place to start Disorder information source Rated and Reviewed Sleep Links Entrance to all monitored Sleep Forums Search all of Sleepnet.com


Non-CPAP Forum 21
Archived Posting


Archived Non-CPAP Forum 21 viewing only. To post go to the Apnea Forum Homepage.

Re: What do I eat after UPPP

Posted by Captin Cannuck on March 09, 2007 at 06:42:35:

In Reply to: Re: What do I eat after UPPP posted by Sleepy25 on March 07, 2007 at 12:02:21:

Dear Sleepy,

I think that you have been given some misinformation about UPPP. First of all, UPPP is most definately NOT ninety five percent successful. The true success rate of that surgery is much less. In fact, of all the surgeries that are done for sleep apnea, that one is the most dangerous. Many people experience a "yo-yo" phenomenon, where they get better, then after about eight months or a year, their apnea comes back. In come cases, the apnea comes back even worse. This is because when the take out the pharnyx, scar tissue can form, which can pull the skin in your airway tighter.

You are also under the impression that UPPP will be the only surgery that you will require, and you say that you definately will not be interested in undergoing other surgeries for apnea/snoring. You should know that UPPPP is often given in concert with other surgeries for sleep apnea. Usually, a phased approach is taken, where UPPP is given as the first phase, and then, if needed, jaw advancement is given as a second phase. When you see people on this site talking about Dr. L or Dr. P, or MMA surgery, this is what they are talking about. Those doctors are famous for correcting sleep apnea using this surgical method. Well, when they have done this phased approach, the vast majority of patients fail the first phase (UPPP), and go on to take jaw advancement. You should know that, if you take UPPP, you WILL likely require more advanced surgery.

My advice to you would be to read a book called "The Promise of Sleep". The author is named Dement, a highly acclaimed authority on sleep medicine. Read carefully what he has to say about UPPP, and then read on about the Stanford approach.

For the time being, I also recommend that you pass on the UPPP, and instead get only your large tonsils out. See if that is enough. Then, if it is not, try CPAP along with weight loss, or make a decision to undergo a phased surgical approach (ie. The Stanford operation), with the full knowledge and understanding that you are in it for the full ride and prepared for all of the operations, and not just one. If you want to go the route of surgery, then you should go to a very competent surgeon. This is key. Remember, we are talking about your airway - how you will breathe for the rest of your life. In Canada, the best place is at Dalhousie University in Halifax. You should seek out Dr. G. or Dr. P., who are highly regarded experts in oral/maxillofacial surgery.

About CPAP, it has a high efficacy rate. It is something that you can get used to. It will probably work. It will completely stop your snoring. Your boyfriend (if he loves you) will probably be just fine with it. It does not make much noise. You should also know that there is funding for CPAP available in Canada. Certainly there is in the province of Ontario. It is a different ministry from the Minsitry of Health which gives funding for CPAP. If you inquire around, you will be directed to the entity which does.

One last thing you should know is that there is a theory that people who have undergone UPPP are less responsive to CPAP therapy than those who have never undergone UPPP. The reason is that if you get a UPPP, they remove your soft palate. but with your pharnyx soft palate removed, the theroy goes that you will be less able to seal in the air and keep it from escaping though a "mouth leak".

In summary, I think that there are two things with could manage/"cure" sleep apnea. Its either CPAP therapy or a phased surgical approach involving jaw advancement. UPPP alone is probably not going to cut the mustard.

I will close this letter by telling you about myself. I am also Canadian, and I was also misinformed by my surgeon, who told me that I would have a 90% chance of "curing" my loud snoring with LAUP (laser UPPP). I am paying a big price for it now. I have developed very severe sleep apnea due to scar tissue formation - shrinkage of my airway due to stenosis. What you tell me about your surgeon has a kind of deja vu for me. Mine also threw out big numbers like, and did not encourage me to try CPAP or dental appliances.

Follow Ups:


Archived Non-CPAP Forum21 viewing only. To post a new topic go to the Apnea Forum Homepage

  • IMPORTANT : Information not intended as medical advice. If you suspect that you have a sleep disorder you should seek care from a qualified professional. Read Terms of Use. The Sleep Forums are not to be used for commercial purposes. Commercial products and services are not endorsed by Sleepnet.com.
  • Sleep Deprivation due to Sleep Apnea and insufficient sleep are common and can present as insomnia, narcolepsy, or idiopathic hypersomnia. In infants and children sleep problems commonly present themselves as ADD or ADHD.


Copyright ©1995-2007 Sleepnet.com., All rights reserved