support groups in North Jers??

Wow, start before surgery?  It does sound like a good idea.  That way I can get in 2 meetings before surgery.  I never would have thought to go prior surgery.  This is all so new to me.... How long do the meetings generally last?  Is there a charge?  Is there anything special I need to know before coming?

There is No charge to attend the St Clare's group and all you have to do is show up! The RNY group meets from 6 - 7pm - the lap band group meets from like 7:15 - 8:15 but from what you wrote - you'll want to be there for 6pm. You don't need to worry about anything else.  Come and join us this Wednesday if you can - you can ask questions or just sit and listen - whatever makes you comfortable. I plan on being there so please look for me so I can say Hi!!! Vicki 

Vicki, Thank you so much for the info.  I'll be there for sure.  I'll try to find you to say hi! -Danielle

I have been going for a few months...I am scheduled for my surgery on July 14th. I have found everyone at St. Clare's in Dover to be very nice and welcoming.   I will be there Wednesday as well!

Laura, Did you find that starting the meeting prior to surgery is going to be helpful for you?  Do you think you are a little more prepared for what comes next?  In my opinion that would be a wonderful tool to go into surgery with....knowledge.  You can read all you want online, but hearing it from people who have gone through it is what I really want.... I am definitely going tomorrow night.... hubby working so moms gonna watch the kids and I'll BE THERE!!!   I haven't been able to upload pics yet (keeps telling me they're too big) but hopefully you guys will either find me or I'll try to find you.... Looking forward to meeting you both!  And I'm sure I'll meet many more great people who are as helpful as you all are on this site! -Danielle

Danielle YES!  This is probably my fourth meeting and I have learned so much. I have a much better idea of what to expect from the people at the meetings.  I feel the surgery is such a huge commitment for myself and my family.  Everyone is so helpful and willing to share their experiences.  The meetings are great.  I am scheduled for July 14 to have surgery so this is my last presurgery meeting.   See you there! Laura

Laura, Thank you so much!  I am a little anxious about attending ... but I am looking forward to it... I'll definitely see you there tonight. -Danielle

I know that there is a support group meeting at Hackensack Hospital on Thursday July 3, from 6:30-8 p.m.......I will be going there for the first time.....It's in the Hekemian Conference Rooms 1 and 2...The next meeting after that is in the same place on August 7

Hi Sammie... I will be at the Hackensack meeting too... I have been going since January 2007. ~wendy

That's cool Wendy.....This will be my first meeting, I hope to attend as many as possible....I think of what I am doing as a journey, something that has to be done for the long term.....With that in mind I can use all the support I can get.....At these meetings how many people are typically there