Here are some links that you may find useful. I will continue to update this as I find information that can inform and/or inspire.
Australian Gastric Sleeve Support Group
This is a wonderful site with lots of information about gastric sleeve surgery, pre- and post-op, complications, diet, exercise, and more.
It’s run by people who have had gastric sleeve surgery and is a forum for ‘sleevers’ to talk about issues, concerns, news, and generally offer support to each other. The group has over 10,000 registered members.
This is the group that I met with a couple of weeks before my surgery, and they were all wonderful.
http://www.gastricsleevesupport.com/
Better Health Channel
This is a great site that I go to whenever I want to know something about health. This description from the site explains it:
The Better Health Channel (BHC) provides health and medical information that is quality assured, reliable, up to date, easy to understand, regularly reviewed and locally relevant. BHC does not have any advertising or sponsorship and is fully funded by the State Government of Victoria (Australia).
The good thing is that it is a government website which means (I believe) you can rely on it.
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/
Better health channel - Weight loss a healthy approach
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Weight_loss_a_healthy_approach
Optifast
Your surgeon may require you to go on an intensive very low calorie diet for at least two weeks before surgery. I was told it was to reduce the amount of fat around the liver pre-surgery. During this phase (two weeks in my case) I lost about 4 ½ kgs. There are some side effects, such as Ketosis, so it is worthwhile understanding what to expect and to stick with it regardless.
The Optifast site gives good information about what to expect and explains Ketosis and its symptoms.
http://www.optifast.com.au/Optifast-VLCD/Proven-Weight-Loss-Solution
A personal journey…