South Jersey Bariatric Patient Excercise Program?

Does anyone know of any gyms, wellness centers, private instructors, who work with Bariatric patients? Getting them on an excercise program, one that they can actually do? Having never excercised before, was wondering if there was anything already in place out there. Seems odd that there wouldnt be, since they plan everything out for you, with support groups and such, and excercise is such a big part of this.

I don't know how far south you are but I know of several WLS-friendly gyms in the Mercer county area. Email me for details. Robin

Thanks Robin. But I live in Pennsauken, down near Cinnaminson and Cherry Hill, close to Philadelphia

I had RNY 2.5 years ago and I did it at Virtua-Burlington Memorial in Mt Holly. Our pre-surgical prep program " new Beginnings" hooks you up with trainers at the William Rohrer Health Fitness Center in Vorhees for pre- and post surgical exercise plans. It is located at 4318 Evesham Road adjacent to the hospital Virtua. I was 480 lbs and in a wheel chair when I started and they helped me devise an exercise plan that was reasonable and doable for someone in my shape. I have lost about 290 lbs in that time and they have helped me modify my exercise plan every step of the way. This gym is somewhat more expensive than most; about 75 a month and extra for personal training. But it is state of the art; high end, Clean as can be, and the staff is well educated and works well with a Bariatric population. Also the hospital is next door if you get injured or feel sick. I am no longer wheel chair bound and excersize 5 times a week. I highly recommend this center.

Hi I don't know where you are located...I am in the Toms River area...I just signed with the gym...I had my surgery April 19th so this will be my first visit..When I spoke to them they sounded like we were going to work well together.. Marianne

Thanks. I live in Pennsauken; about an hour or so away from you. I actually work up near Pt Pleasant though.

Hiya Michelle..welcome to the New Jersey Board ! There are a group of us.. (Nancy, Deidre, AJ, Jack Martin, Myself, ..and others) that are joining or will be joining (I am joining this week) the Toms River Fitness Gym, in Toms River on Route 37. Its a really pretty well equipped place. A lot of us are joining that particular Gym because we have folks that have had bariatric surgery that attend either the Toms River (first Friday, 7pm, Community Hospital) Support group or the Lakewood Support Group (Third Thursday, 7pm on grounds of Kimball Medical Center). You work near Pt Pleasant? Ever consider joining a gym that maybe you could stop at either on way to work or way home? As more of us join, we hope to get more times when we can meet with other bariatric pals to work out. This gym has a whole side, literally nearly 50 percent of the place (and its a large gym/fitness center) that is for "ladies only". Both sides (the general and the ladies only) have a excellent variety of equipment and both sides have their own pool and jacuzzi /sauna areas. Anyhow.. you are cordially invited (but I cant spell cord ually.. cordally? friendially? err whatever) ... In regards to our Bariatric Surgery support meetings..... the Ocean County Weight Loss Surgical.... group of folks declares, solemnly.... You are with great respect and by our enthusiastically friendly folks invited to come to one or both of our support meetings, either the first friday or the third thursday : ) We are a really genuine, upbeat and friendly group... with people that are pre surgery, post surgery, both RNY, and lap banders. We have more ladies than men by about a 2-1 ratio, but there are lots of both : ) In regards to the Fitness Center options... I hope that it helps to mention the Toms River Fitness center option... they have a deal for anyone interested with our group that is 29 dollars initiation fee, and then 48 dollars a month for a year, on a year contract. Also, they have a "suspend" mode that is 9 dollars a month that .. say if you go on vacation and want to suspend for a month its only 9 dollars instead of 48 for that month. The suspend month at 9 dollars doesnt count toward the year on the year contract, but it is nice if you are not going to be using it for several days or weeks, its a nice feature. Have a super day, nice to meet you and Godspeed in finding a fitness solution ! : ) Take Care Timmy Ray

I am in Vineland. South Jersey Regional Medical Center has the fitness connection right across the street from the hospital. For bariatric patients it is $29 a month. Carmilla is your best bet to design your post op program. She takes it easy and gives you a good foundation to build on. She motivates you and is an awesome cheerleader. There are a lot of bariatric patients and a great, friendly, non judgemental atmosphere. There are also a lot of classes for ALL fitness levels and they do not cost extra. I started going in January and I go 5-6 days a week. I love it there, everyone has been so great to me. Hope this is helpful. Good Luck! Shaun