Support Groups?

Hi All~ I just found this forum and I am so glad. I am having surgery on Tuesday--7:30am-- 36 hours--YIKES!! I'm a little overwelmed but excited to be on the other side---beyond recovery--on my way to a normal weight!!! Does anyone know of any support groups in the Manasquan area? My surgeon is in Princeton and I'd rather stay closer to home. If so, could you forward the whens and wheres? Thank you so much!! Katrina L.

Hi Katrina, Congrats on your surgery. I went to the Toms River support meeting friday night at Community Medical Center. There is another one on the 12th at Kimball Medical Center in Lakewood. Not sure how far away you are...but I live in Tuckerton and I think you are about as far away as I am from the meeting locations. Best Wishes!!

ooops...i meant the 21st...not the 12th!

I am about 7 weeks out, and I need to go to a support group. Could someone give me the information for both Toms River and Lakewood. I live in Howell so both of these places are convenient. My doctors support group is in New Brunswick which is a hike. Also, where are they in the hospital, is there a fee and could anyone go? Thanks for your help. Laurie

hey all there is a great support group that meets in TOms River the first Friday of every month at Community Medical Center. THere is also an offshoot of this group that meets in Lakewood the third THursday of the month, at Kimball Medical Center. the next meeting would be thursday sept 21st. they are both peer driven groups and there is no charge to attend the meetings. i have been going to the Lakewood one for a couple of months now and found it very helpful. i had my surgery (RNY) on July 26th and am doing well. I have lost 41 lbs so far. I have found my recovery a bit slow on the energy side, but i am also 57, so im a bit older than many of you. But overall, i feel wonderful after a lifetime of being obese, it is so nice to see the weight coming off. hugs, jacki

Hi, Katrina, first of all good luck on your surgery. I am almost 6 weeks out and doing very well. I go to the Toms River support group at Community Hospital the 1st Friday of every month and they have a second meeting at Paul Kimball that is the 3rd Thursday of each month. There is also one at Monmouth Medical, I think it is the 4th Thursday, but don't quote me on that one.I prefer the Toms river or Paul Kimball one. It is a great group of people, some great Info is put out there and also a lot of laughs. Maybe we will see you there,

Hello Katrina~ I am Michelle, I am 4 days post op, just got home yesterday. This is the best thing I have ever done for myself. I also attend the Toms River and Lakewood support groups. The people are wonderful, they have gotten me through the last 4 months of questions and doubts and a little bit of fear along the way. It's all worth it, you will be joining us on the "losers bench" tomorrow! Just take lots of deep breaths and be easy on yourself right after the surgery, it is surgery and you will need some care taking. I grew up in Wall/Belmar area, and our first home after we were married was on Paynters Road in Manasquan, so we have that in common. I think you will be up to coming to the Lakewood meeting, September 21. If you need a ride give me a hollar. I live in Brick now, but I can come and get it if you aren't able to drive yet. I am not able as of yet, but hopefully by the end of the week. Take care, God bless you on your journey. Michelle Brennan Brick NJ 732-492-4143