PATIENT INFORMATION
Obesity
Body weight can affect airway management, breathing, sleep apnoea, blood-clot risk, positioning, drug dosing and postoperative care.
The purpose of asking about weight is to plan safely, not to judge you.
Why it matters
- Breathing: lung capacity can be reduced when lying flat, and oxygen levels can fall more quickly.
- Airway: managing the airway may need extra preparation.
- Equipment: the team may arrange suitable beds, tables, blood-pressure cuffs and positioning aids.
- Medicines: some drug doses are calculated differently.
- Blood clots: the risk of clots in the legs or lungs may be higher, so prevention measures may be used.
What to tell the team
- Your current weight, if you know it
- Snoring, sleep apnoea or CPAP use
- Reflux or heartburn
- Diabetes, high blood pressure or heart problems
- Any previous problems with anaesthesia
Weight-management medicines
If you use GLP-1 or other weight-management medicines, mention them specifically because they may affect perioperative planning.
After surgery
Getting up and moving early, deep-breathing exercises and following blood-clot prevention advice all help recovery. Ask the team what is planned for you.