I had my first appointments over the past two days with the psychologist, dietician and surgeon. Here in Australia, I only have to see each once before the surgery which seems very different from the process for others.

For those interested, this was my experience...

Psychologist - met with him just once and will see him again at 6 weeks, 6 months and at 12 months. Basically, he was interested in looking at motivation for ongoing lifestyle changes and some of the patterns of behaviour that led to this point. It was obviously a screen for underlying eating disorders and doing some "myth busting" about the surgery and it's outcomes. I was there for around 30 minutes. No startling revelations - I eat as an extension of poor emotional regulation during periods of stress. I have a sedentary job and lifestyle as contributing factors. I wouldn't say it was a waste of time but have to admit, I feel that I really did not get too much out of it. I hate saying that as I am a psychologist (different field) as well and was hoping to report something different as I've never seen a psych myself before...but it is what it is

Dietician - met with her once mostly discuss my current habits and to discuss the pre-op and post op diets. Very little else was done but she was really nice and very easy to talk to. She made herself very available to me for contact during this whole process which was great as I live quite a long way away.

Pre-op Diet - I will be on the VLCD Optislim diet for two weeks prior to surgery. During this time I can also have fruit twice per day, jelly once per day and twice a day have a salad or stirfried veggies or a soup from the "free" vegetables list. There is a lot more variation in the diet than I was expecting which I am really happy about. It's still going to be tough I am sure, but not so bad as I'd originally feared.

Surgeon - I met with Dr Candice Silverman today and feel so confident in her! She was brilliant, walking me through what to expect from arrival to recovery room. She's been doing this surgery for many years and tells me that she has never had a leak yet, so I don't anticipate on being the first (though I suppose no one ever does). She told me that she will make 5 incisions and I'll have disolvable stitches. Because I live about 12 hours from the dr, she has asked me to remain on the Gold Coast for 10 days from the surgery. I'll only spend three nights in hospital (it's probably two nights but she added the third night just in case). Then I get a week's holiday on the beach before seeing her again and then going home.

Surgery date - so I know that my surgery now will be September 3 2012. I can't wait!!!! So excited to have a date confirmed and when I wanted it to happen! Seems like things are falling into place (touch wood)...just need to lodge my paperwork and get my approvals back (which have a two week timeframe) and I will be done!!

Can't wait to join the "sleeved" club!!