Can Bariatric Surgery Improve Sleep Apnea?
February 11, 2026
By: Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare
Categories: Healthy Living, Sleep Medicine, Bariatric Surgery
Tags: Sleep Apnea
Living with obesity and sleep apnea can feel overwhelming. Poor sleep, constant fatigue and concerns about long-term health often affect work, relationships and overall quality of life. If you rely on a CPAP machine or still feel tired despite treatment, it may feel frustrating and discouraging. You are not alone, and there may be options that can help.
For many people with obesity-related sleep apnea, bariatric, or “weight loss,” surgery offers more than weight loss. It can be a pathway to better sleep, improved breathing and a healthier future.
What is Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts throughout the night. The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea, occurs when the muscles and soft tissues in the throat relax during sleep and block the airway. These interruptions can happen dozens or even hundreds of times per night, often without the person fully realizing it.
Obesity is one of the strongest risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea. Excess weight around the neck, chest and abdomen can narrow the airway and place pressure on the lungs, making it harder to breathe while lying down. Common symptoms include loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, morning headaches, poor concentration and excessive daytime sleepiness.
If you think you may have sleep apnea, it’s important to speak to a doctor and have a sleep study conducted.
Why Treating Sleep Apnea Matters
Untreated sleep apnea is more than a sleep problem. Over time, it increases the risk of serious health conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and Type 2 diabetes. It can also worsen mood, memory and energy levels, making everyday tasks feel harder than they should.
While CPAP therapy is an effective treatment, it does not address the underlying cause of sleep apnea for many people with obesity. Weight loss is often a key part of long-term improvement.
How Weight Loss Can Improve Sleep Apnea
Even a moderate weight loss can significantly improve sleep apnea symptoms. Weight loss reduces fatty tissue around the airway, decreases inflammation and helps the lungs function more efficiently. As breathing improves during sleep, oxygen levels stabilize and sleep becomes more restorative.
Patients who lose weight often notice:
- Reduced snoring
- Fewer breathing interruptions during sleep
- Improved energy, focus and mood
- Lower blood pressure and improved heart health
How Bariatric Surgery Can Help
Bariatric surgery, including procedures like gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, is designed to support significant and long-term weight loss. Research shows that many patients experience:
- Improvement or resolution of sleep apnea
- Decreased need for CPAP machines
- Reduced risk of obesity-related complications, like high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes
It’s important to note that while bariatric surgery often improves sleep apnea, it may not fully replace CPAP therapy in all patients. Individual outcomes vary depending on weight loss and other health factors.
Who Qualifies for Bariatric Surgery?
To qualify for bariatric surgery, individuals must have:
- A BMI of 40, or
- A BMI of 35 with obesity-related co-morbidities (sleep apnea, diabetes, hypertension, etc.)
Choosing bariatric surgery is a personal decision that involves careful evaluation, education and support from a specialized care team. The goal is not just weight loss, but long-term health and improved quality of life. Bariatric surgery is the most effective, long-term solution for those with obesity.
Next steps: Managing Sleep Apnea with Bariatric Surgery at TMH
If sleep apnea is affecting your health or quality of life, bariatric surgery may help you breathe easier and sleep more soundly. TMH’s bariatric surgery program is accredited through the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP®), a joint quality program of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.
TMH is proud to offer care from two fellowship-trained bariatric surgeons, Joey Jarrard, MD and James Parker, MD, both designated as Fellows of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (FASMBS). This distinction is awarded to surgeons who meet rigorous standards for training, experience and ongoing commitment to quality improvement in bariatric care. Having two FASMBS-designated surgeons places TMH among the region’s leading centers for metabolic and bariatric surgery and reflects a strong focus on patient safety, outcomes and long-term success.
If you are ready to explore whether bariatric surgery could improve your sleep apnea and overall health, complete our online form to schedule a consultation with a member of our team.
