S. Jersey support group?

So I'm not alone with this Barix issue!  Right now I'm just getting all my pre-testing done thru the orders the surgeon in N. Jersey gave...if it happens that someone gets in network at Barix then I'll be ahead of the game with my testing I guess. Do you know if the Lourdes support group is open to anyone who's had WLS or only to their patients?  Maybe I can sit in on those!  Can you give me more information about them? I'm glad to hear you like your lap band...I've heard so many people who aren't happy with it I was beginning to really wonder! Thanks for your post! Heather

I believe the group is open to anyone, there is a 1 time fee of $250 dollars.  This was offset by the meal supplements they give you. I don't know if the supplements will be included though if you're not using their group. Anyway the # is 609-835-2900 for more information. The next one on 9/10 at Lourdes Medical center in Willingboro at the hospital Cafeteria (ironic I know) there is a meeting room right next to it which is where the group is held. I went to my first one without being a member. I have been very happy with my Band, I go to the Doc's on Thurs so will get a total calculation of weight loss with pre surgery dieting and after. By my calculation I've lost about 15lbs. The week  after surgery was very disapointing. I didn't lose anything in fact gained 2lbs but one day Bam! I was down 7-8lbs. They say the IV fluids stay with you for awhile and your general fluid intake is more than normal, at least for me.  My goal is 8-10lbs a month. I think some of the banders get discourged because we don't lose as much a bypass patients. But that's one of the reason's I choose Banding. You still have to be careful and make good food choices. Like my Dr say's Milk Shakes go down easy and stick around a long time!  Good luck and keep up the good fight.  Karen

Thanks for the information Karen...I will file away that number just in case I don't find someplace I like that I can use for free...or maybe I'll just call and find out now so I know if it's a possibility...anyway, thanks!  Heather

I go to Fitsmart for Dr. Goldstein at Virtua Hospital in Voorhees.  YOu had to join Fitsmart to use Doc Goldstein, but not sure if support is open or a reduced fee or anything.  Good group -let me know if you need more info.  You can call information and just ask for "Fitsmart" at the Rohrer Center in Voorhees.

Ruth: How ironic that you would write this tonight...I went to an informational "new beginnings" meeting tonight and met Dr. Goldstein! I'm not probably interested in using the surgeons there at Virtua (not sure that my insurance will cover them...and Dr. Goldstein only does lapband so he's out since I want gastric bypass) ANYWAY...I am really impressed with the whole "new beginnings" or "fitsmart" part...I am going to sit in on a few meetings there and see about joining. I don't even think the $1700 is that bad for a "lifetime" membership. Thanks for writing! Heather

There is a fabulous group at the Roher Center For Health & Fitness in Voorhees. I researched surgeons affiliated with that center and Virtua Hospital. For certain reasons I am looking into a Hahnemann doc- but will probably end up at the Center. I work out there. Its a fabulous place. I took WL classes there and there are dieticians and the whole nine yards. Cannot recommend highly enough. I had some personal issues this past year that prevented me from continuing to the surgery stage at that time- but the center was not the problem at all and I learned a lot there. They have all the latest and greatest equipment. Its on Evesham Rd. Best wishes to you- I am in Medford. Excited to be finally starting this new journey. I am hoping for March surgery! I have initial consult with this new doc in Sept.