Anyone from NJ/Phila area???? Would like to find some local support....

Hi Jersey Bandsters. I know this topic was started more than 6 months ago, but I'm newer to the site and figured someone may still be following this. I'm a southern jersey girl (born and raised) and currently in Laurel Springs. This site seems to be a great way to connect with other lap banders. I am pre-op (scheduled 4/5/12) and believe I could really benefit from having a local mentor/lap band buddy.

I'm in northern NJ. Was banded 2/29. Doing well so far. Lost about 10 lbs already! The pain isn't so bad, only the shoulder pain is really hurting me. Port site is sore... Back to sleeping on my side. Post op follow up is in 4 more days. The shakes are keeping me full. I'm doing about 2 per day. Finding it hard to fit all the fluids I'm supposed to get but I'm trying... Thank God for chicken broth! I can't wait to lose more weight so I can throw away all of my winter clothes and by thinner spring clothes! Contests Jersey banders! And banders everywhere. This feeling is amazing...this is actually working for me!

I'm in northern NJ. Was banded 2/29. Doing well so far. Lost about 10 lbs already! The pain isn't so bad' date=' only the shoulder pain is really hurting me. Port site is sore... Back to sleeping on my side. Post op follow up is in 4 more days. The shakes are keeping me full. I'm doing about 2 per day. Finding it hard to fit all the fluids I'm supposed to get but I'm trying... Thank God for chicken broth! I can't wait to lose more weight so I can throw away all of my winter clothes and by thinner spring clothes! Contests Jersey banders! And banders everywhere. This feeling is amazing...this is actually working for me![/quote']

I meant "congrats"!

I'm actually in the middle of the state....straight east on 195 from Trenton to the Shore. I'm 1-1/2 miles from Spring Lake - Belmar beaches.

Been banded a little over 13 months now, met my goal over a month ago.

Congratulations to you both B-52 and Mau134!!! One of you is in the maintenance mode and the other is starting the lap banded weight loss journey. It's wonderful seeing the different stages of the journey being played out in one place. Mau134, I'm glad things went well. Sorry to hear about the discomfort still, but it sounds like you're working through it. Are you using the Gas-x strips or did your surgeon recommend something else? Wow, B-52, I know you are proud of yourself and so are we. I you had to attribute your success to one or 2 thing, what would they be?

Hello .. i am from south jersey i am in medford i go to the moorestown mall just about every fri night . i was banded just shy of 15 moths and doing so so ... just have to get my butt into gear. i had a total unfill in jan because of problems and i go back march 28th cant wait! this weekend i will be down at seaside for the st pattys day parade !!!!

keep in touch south jersey !!!!

I'm in Jackson, NJ Ocean County. I got banded on March 9th. Newbie..

btw, if my jersey friends don't mind I wrote a post on General Discussion that I would love an answer too. Thanks!

Kr8160311 ... i work at six flags in jackson !

I'll be at the parade too with my daughters girl scout troop!

I'll be at the parade too with my daughters girl scout troop!

I wii b at the 7-11 near the judges! !!

Oh ok! We'll be a little further down, in front of the bank of America!

My first post! I am right over in PA in Bensalem but am working with Dr. Goldstein in Voorhees. Its been a little bit of a longer process then anticipated but am just waiting the 6 weeks to be "officially" compliant with my CPAP (I was diagnosed with Sleep Apnea during the pre-op process) and then everything should get submitted for approval! I'm crossing my fingers that I get to be a May Bandster. Just in time for my 29th b-day and a year out from my brothers wedding. Have to be the cute bridemaid, right?? Anyway, since I'm working through Dr. Goldstein and not a specific hospital progam, I have felt a little alone in the process (though my mom is a gastric bypass-er) and have not been able to track down any support groups in the area. I would LOVE to be/have a band buddy! And if anyone knows of any support groups, PLEASE share!

I'm in Jackson' date=' NJ Ocean County. I got banded on March 9th. Newbie.. [/quote']

I was banded march 9th too and im in Monmouth county..where did you have your surgery?

Congratulations to you both B-52 and Mau134!!! One of you is in the maintenance mode and the other is starting the lap banded weight loss journey. It's wonderful seeing the different stages of the journey being played out in one place. Mau134, I'm glad things went well. Sorry to hear about the discomfort still, but it sounds like you're working through it. Are you using the Gas-x strips or did your surgeon recommend something else? Wow, B-52, I know you are proud of yourself and so are we. I you had to attribute your success to one or 2 thing, what would they be?

Sorry for not getting back sooner.

I'll be honest, the first few months were hell. I stink at counting calories/dieting. It was only after my 3rd fill did I have any permanent restriction. It was then I had to learn to listen to the band, change MY ways and not try to fight the band.

If the band won't let me eat, or eat what I want, then I don't. Thre are other things also.

Plus I go to the gym as much as possible to burn off more calories than take in.