Expert: JM Starkman, MD - 8/8/2010

Question
I am 54 years old and obese and need nasal/sinus surgery for some growths in my nasal and sinus area.  I am very nervous about being put under since I am obese.  I am dieting but still am working towards my goal.  Well I do have sleep apnea too, but I do not have a C-PaP machine.  Doctor thinks maybe nasal obstruction may of caused some of the apnea.  My question - what is the best anesthesia drug to use for an obese person? I know they will put that tube down my throat so I am able to breathe, but I am still afraid of this.  Do you think I should wait and lose all my weight before going through this surgery ?

Kind Regards,  Susan

Answer
Yes, lose all the weight you need to lose prior to surgery--that weight loss alone may fix your sleep apnea problem.  But that is not a 100% outcome prediction, of course.  There is no "best" anesthesia drug as all patients should be treated with respect to their individual needs and medical histories, and each anesthesiologist's capabilities also taken into consideration.