hi i'm new

hello, my name's beth. i'm new here. first a little about myself. i currently live with my parents in PA do to some financial issues, but i'm hoping to find an apartment in NJ soon. (btw, i've been using www.GardenStateApartments.com to find a place, has anyone heard of it?) i've always been somewhat heavy, and i've tried everything to lose weight. i'm really interested in going through with the surgery, but i know pretty much nothing about it. so i was hoping i could learn about it here, as well as meet people who are going through with it or have gone through it.. nothing beats support from real people. ok, that's about it. looking forward to making friends! -beth

Welcome Beth, ask away with ur questions

Hi Beth: Welcome. I live in Philadelphia but I live so close to NJ that I feel I almost live there. I am 51 and had the surgery in June. I weighed 456 at the time of the operation. 13 weeks later I am 100 lbs. lighter. I did alot of research but found that all my answers came from my surgeon and nutrionist. You will read many varying opinions on these boards. Your best bet is to decide what the best surgery is for you including what your insurance company will pay for. All candidates are different. Once you start the process it takes anywhere from 3 to 6 months before you are into surgery. Again, there are different proceedures but it is not an overnight process. You say you are somewhat heavy, are you sure that you would be a candidate for the surgery. My best suggestion is have your PCP give you a referral to the surgeon of your choice and then find out first hand what is best for you. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at [email protected] Best of luck to you. Jeanne

Hi Beth, Welcome to OH. I used to be the school nurse in the middle school in South Plainfield!! (Now I work as the Bariatric Nurse Coordinator for the Bariatric Surgery Program at Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center). If you're interested we have a support group meeting at the Bariatric Center once a month and this month's is this Thursday the 21st. Its at 5:00pm. Please feel free to contact me if you want more info. Best of luck in finding an apartment. Hope to talk to you soon. Hugs and , Kathy 5'2" presurgery 285/now 138.

Hi Beth: I am 26 and had surgery on 9/5. Before surgery my weight was 284 now I am at 265. I did alot of research and most of the answers to my questions came from support meetings and interacting with other people that have gone thru this. Good Luck!! CB2

Beth~ Hello and Welcome to OH! My first suggestion to you would be to get to that support group meeting near you this coming Thursday night. It will help you will so many of your questions. Of course they won't give you medical advice, but you can discuss doctors in your area, who takes your insurance, and you will hear everyone's personal experiences-to better help you decide what surgery you might want. Also, they can let you know about different surgeons informational meetings, that would be your next step. Good luck and God bless you in your process. I am 18 days out (after surgery) and I have lost 25 pounds. I went from 228 to 203. I had LAP RNY. Michelle Brennan

Hello Beth, Welcome to your family at OH! It's a great place to ask questions and also just to browse to see if anyone is having the problems or acheivements as you are. I"ve alot of good friends here, and I'm greatful for finding OH! Good Luck to you! Tracy

Hi Beth, I've lived in S Plainfield all my life. I'm having RNY Oct 2. It was a difficult road to commit but I've come to realize that this is the only way. I'm having my surgery up at Morristown Memorial but I may become involved with the support group over at Muhlenberg since it is so close to my home. Take care, Evelyn

I just emailed Beth privately and told her about Dr. Jean-Baptiste's support group, lol! He is also having an info session at the Westwood in Garwood on Weds. night. By the way, Dr. J-B's support group begins at 5:30 not 5;00, I got a letter in the mail informing me of the time change! Beth, hope you can come!

Hi beth...Welcome to OH... MY surgeon I believe is in your area.. I had my surgery with Dr. Jean Baptiste and I absoultely love him and his staff try giving them a call @ 1908-226-4200 or come out to one of the support groups..