Safer Surgeries for All: Expert Tips on Anesthesia and Obesity with Dr. Sarah Bodin

The Obesity Guide with Matthea Rentea MD

If you are overweight or obese and planning to have surgery, it's important to understand how excess weight can put you at risk for certain side effects and complications, whether from the surgery itself or the anesthesia you need.
To help me explore the unique challenges people with obesity face when undergoing surgery, I invited Dr. Sarah Bodin, a double board-certified physician in obesity medicine and anesthesia, to join me for this week’s episode.
Together, we delve into the complexities of anesthesia, and discuss the impact of medications like GLP-1 and the importance of screening for conditions such as sleep apnea. Join us now as we navigate the path to safer and more inclusive surgical experiences for all patients.
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Audio Stamps
01:30 - Dr. Bodin shares her professional background.

02:10 - Dr. Bodin discusses the importance of holding GLP-1 medications before surgery due to their effects on gastric emptying.
08:35 - Dr. Rentea asks about the clinical challenges posed by obesity, such as obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, diabetes, and difficulties with IV access.
10:22 - Dr. Rentea and Dr. Bodin discuss the necessity of screening for sleep apnea in weight management patients due to its impact on both weight and overall health.

11:50 - We learn about the safety considerations regarding weight limits for outpatient versus hospital-based surgical settings.
15:25 - We hear the proactive measures overweight and obese people can take to prepare for surgery to reduce the likelihood of complications and promote successful outcomes.
20:13 - We find out about the risks associated with skin removal surgery for people who have lost significant amounts of weight.
22:44 - Dr. Bodin shares her tips for other physicians that might not have had as much training in this area, including how to be mindful of language and biases.
Quotes
“None of us want to have problems surgically because of our weight.” - Matthea Rentea MD
“My recommendation would be that if you're taking a weekly injectable, you hold it for a solid two weeks prior to your surgery.” - Dr. Bodin
“It is super, super common for me to see obstructive sleep apnea. Some of which has been diagnosed and some of which people do not know about.” - Dr. Bodin
“If you have obesity, you're more likely to have sleep apnea. If you have sleep apnea, it can potentially cause worsened weight gain. So yes, that is built into my screening tools for my practice.” - Dr. Bodin
“High blood sugars are associated with a number of different problems around surgery.” - Dr. Bodin
“If your cardiovascular system, your heart, your blood vessels, and your respiratory system are all a little bit tolerant of exercise, you're going to better be able to tolerate the stress that a surgery and an anesthetic bring.” - Dr. Bodin

All of the information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only. Please talk to your physician and medical team about what is right for you. No medical advice is being on this podcast.
If you live in Indiana or Illinois and want to work with doctor Matthea Rentea, you can find out more on www.RenteaClinic.com