Feb. 22nd Surgery; I need a support group in Freehold, NJ

Hi, my name is Connie and I am so excited... I am finally going to have the WLS that I have always wanted. The laproscopic gastric bypass is scheduled for 3 days after I return from Aruba. I will be well rested and anxious to get this done. My physician is Dr. Brolin from Monmouth Jct. and the hospital is Princeton Medical. Has anyone used Dr. Brolin and gone to Princeton? Can you tell me anything about the hospital and the care you received? I understand I will be on liquids for 4 weeks. Does this include drinking 64 oz. of water daily? My other concern is that I cannot locate a support group in my area. Does anyone know of one that is fairly close to Freehold. I would appreciate any information that you can give me. Thanks for all your help. :-S

connie gl on your upcoming surgery date. not sure if there is a group in freehold, but there might be one attached to the hospital there. also there is one in toms river 1st friday of every month at community medical center also lakewood, on the third monday every month at kimball medical center (the center for healthy living behind the hospital) good luck, jacki

Hi, Jacki I checked out Centra State, no support group there. I will probably attend in Lakewood and when the weather gets better hope to go to Toms River also. Connie

there is also a support group called Baratric angles every Thursday at community medical center (in Toms River on Route 37 just west of the parkway)at 7:00 to 9:00pm. This group is for those who have had surgery or in the process of being scheduled. I attend this meeting every week. I had my surgery 5 years ago. Please feel free to come prior to and after the surgery. Laura G

Hi Laura.... how are you? I am great with faces but lousy with names. Are you the gal that introduced me to the nice older gentleman regards to housing? If so... (post a photo on your profile already : PPP ) could you email me? Thanks. Take care Timmy Ray

Hi Laura, looking forward to meeting you, I am going to try to make at least one meeting prior to my surgery. Thanks again. Connie

Hey Connie -- congrats on your surgery date. There are many people in the OCWLS (Ocean County Weight Loss Surgery) Support Group that have used Dr Brolin -- he is very good and has an excellent rep. As Jackie mentioned, our group meets twice per month, although the Toms River Group is more heaviliy attended. Our meetings are the first Friday of each month at Community Medical Center, Aud A in Toms River 7-9pm. Next meeting is Friday, Feb 2nd. The third Modnay of each month, there is a meeting at Kimball Medical's Center for Healthy Living, 198 Prospect St, in Lakewood, 7-9pm. Next meeting is Monday, Feb 19th. Hope to see you at one of these before your surgery. Hugs, Nannette

Thanks Nannette the information is very helpful, I will try and make the Feb. 19th meeting as I am leaving for vacation first week in Feb. Hope to see you soon Connie

Hi Connie! Welcome to the Board! I had the same surgery with Dr. Brolin on 8/29/05, and was very successful. Excellent surgeon and excellent hospital! Although I haven't been as faithful lately in blogging, you can check out my September 2005 archive blog on my profile, and you'll see that I documented my experience. I was on what Brolin called a "modified liquid diet", which pretty much consisted of broth, tomato soup, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, jello, cottage cheese, pudding...anything soft that goes down with ease that won't interrupt with the healing of the pouch. He had me drinking 64 oz of water daily, although in the beginning, it's was very difficult for me to accomplish this. As my profile says, before surgery, I used to drink water day and night, so I never would have thought that this would be an issue. But you can't gulp water anymore, just small sips, so it was hard for me to get the required amount in. That, on top of the fact that my appetite was gone, and I had to remember to drink and eat! They will give you a package that provides you with the foods that you're allowed to eat, which is very helpful too. And as Nannette said, both the Toms River and the Lakewood groups are available for you to attend. We're a great group of people, both pre-ops and post-ops, and welcome you to both! Have a great time in Aruba, and hope to meet you soon! If you have any questions, please feel free to email me. Take care! Hugs, Wendy

Hi Wendy, thanks so much for your reply. You answered lots of questions for me but above all you reconfirmed Dr. Brolin's reputation. This was very comforting for me. I hope to make the Feb. 1st meeting in Toms River. That is the only date I have available before going to ARuba. I am anxious to meet you and all the others who have been so kind to me. Hugs, Connie