Hi I'm new

Currently on my pre-op preparation for my surgery in 8 days. A little scared of what's in store for the future but looking forward to losing weight and relieving some pain.

How exciting :-)
Totally natural to be a little scared but as long as you follow your surgeons instructions you will be just fine.
This is the beginning of a whole new adventure for you.
All the best.

Welcome to the forum! Being nervous is natural. You will be fine. Please come back and ask questions if you need to.

We were all a little nervous, but the results are beyond your wildest dreams! I never imagined I could be a normal sized person, and I've been one for 6 years now. Makes life and my health a whole lot better! Best of luck to you.

Thank you for the words of encouragement, I'm spending time looking up resources for what I can and cannot eat over the next two months and there after.

My initial gut feeling was to postpone the surgery until after a vaccine had been made for covid-19 as it has me a little on edge having a surgery like this during a global pandemic. The doctors told me that it's unlikely I would catch it while healing, due to the low numbers in Australia. But they could not tell me what impact it may have as they don't have any stats or research on how it may impact someone in early stages of post op. They did note that Covid-19 has a higher mortality rate in overweight people so it might be less of a risk not to postpone.

I've never had an operation of any sort before, I'm trying to tell myself that it will be fine and everything will go to plan.

A lot of things going though my head so it's good to hear some encouragement thanks again.

I had never had any sort of operation prior to being sleeved and I was amazed at how smoothly it all went. Those general anesthetics are amazing! I walked in to the theatre got onto the operating table (which was lovely and warm). They gave me an injection, popped the mask on me and what seemed like seconds later I was being woken up in recovery. The lovely nurses gave me a wash and then I was taken to my room where I slept for most of the rest of the day....and night. I was given regular pain relief and ice to suck on. I was encouraged to get up and walk as often as I could (taking the drip with me) and I made it my mission to get up often. It really does help to get moving as soon as possible. I had 2 nights in hospital and then went home. I didn't feel like running any marathons and it felt like I had done 1000 sit ups but I wasn't in any pain and didn't even take a Panadol. I kept sipping the water and gradually increased the length of my walks as the day went on. I took 2 weeks off work as I was able to but possibly could have gone back after one (I have a desk job).
Just do what you are instructed to do, and everything will be fine.

Everyone has to find their level of comfort; KiwiGal is spot on; on the other side, I have had 16 major surgeries (well I'm also old). And the VGS was so easy that my only tears afterward is that I had not done it sooner.

Hospitals are protective of their patients, as well as their staff. Elective only means it was life-threatening to postpone; it's a treatment chosen for an issue. Obesity, IMHO, is one of the things that put you at so much risk than COVID, if masks, handwashing, etc. are in place.

Best of luck. And food "rules" are basic protein, dense carbs, liquids, fats and then any other food you may have room for (not too much if you only drink 30 minutes before and after a meal, (t during) and you chew, taking small bites like people are supposed to, sleeve or not.

Best to you on your journey.

Thank you Kiwigal & AnnieG I know the nervousness I have is irrational, I guess is fear of the unknown.

I have lost 5 kg (11lbs) in the last 7 days which I assume means I'm doing my pre-op preparation correctly. That would be my glycogen stores I guess. The doctors told me that the pre-op diet will shrink my liver making the stomach easier to access for the surgeon and reducing potential complications. so I'm on the right track so far with 6 days to go.

I don't think the nervousness is irrational. It's totally understandable.
In my case ignorance was bliss. I had no idea what to expect and as everything went to plan I had an easy time of it - thankfully!

It sounds like you are right on target which is fabulous.

The pre-op preparation is definitely worth doing well. It does shrink the fatty liver (that all overweight people have) and makes for an easier surgery.
Not long to go now :-)

It is true that obesity puts you at a super high risk for complications, even death, if you do get Covid. I think you're making the right decision.