The global obesity epidemic and the worldwide prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSA) are increasing [1]. This syndrome is probably the most common respiratory disorder in the USA and Europe, suggesting that between 14 and 49% of middle-aged men have clinical symptoms [2] and morbid obesity is the main risk factor [3]. OSA leads to decreased quality of life (QOL) and functional capacity, together with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, predisposing to higher rates of morbidity and mortality [2, 4]. Surgical treatment for obesity can be considered when nutritional, pharmacological, and physical activities are not efficient [5]. For morbidly obese patients, this treatment is considered the most effective method in the long term, since it promotes control of weight and comorbidities [5, 6] when compared to the conservative method [7–10].
