Question:
Has anyone ever researched the Anesthesiologist and how?

I spoke with my primary physician again today about the surgery. She asked had I done any research on the anesthesiologist. She said this is just if not as important as researching the surgeon. First I need to find out from the surgeon who exactly will be the anesthesiologist and then research them. Has anyone ever done this and do you agree that it is very important? I don't know where to start. I am scheduled for a LAP RNY with Dr. Champion and would also want to know does he use the same anesthesiologist and how was that person if known. Thanks!    — Toni K. (posted on November 1, 1999)

March 25, 2003
My PCP told me that the most important thing to find out about your anesthesiologist is whether or not they have experience handling obese patience. Our needs are different than those of normal sized folks. The only method I can suggest is to call the hospital in which your surgery will be performed and speak to the department of anesthesiology and question whomever answers. This, I know, doesn't completely answer your question, however, it's all the information I have currently and thought I would add it thinking it might help a tad. Cheers.
   — [Deactivated Member]

March 27, 2003
I FOUND AN AWESOME BOOK ON ANESTHESIA. ITS CALLED "UNDER THE MASK". YOU CAN ORDER IT ON AMAZON. COM. YOU ARE CORRECT TO RESEARCH THE ANESTHESIOLOGIST WHO WILL BE THERE. THERE IS A LOT TO IT. HE IS ABOUT THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF YOU SURGERY. YOU SHOULD INSIST ON MEETING W/ HIM BEFORE SURGERY. (NOT THE DAY OF) IF YOUR INSURANCE WON'T PAY, THEN PAY CASH. YOUR LIFE IS IN HIS HANDS. THEY DESERVE A LOT MORE RESPECT THAN WHAT THEY GET. YOU WILL BE SHOCKED AT THE COMPLICATIONS THAT CAN ARISE IF YOU DON'T ANSWER ALL HIS QUESTIONS AND BE HONEST! ABOUT EVERY THING. INCLUDING DRUGS, SMOKING, COUGHS, COLD ECT. HE CAN GIVE YOU A SEDITIVE BEFORE SURGERY TO RELAX YOU AND MANAGE YOU PAIN AFTER SURGERY W/ EPIDURAL, ECT. READ THE BOOK. ITS GREAT. BETSY
   — ELIZABETH K.