My name is Tracy. I'm a 36 year old female from NJ. I'm in need of a Mentor/Buddy to help me through my life changing process. I'm getting banded on August 1st and I CAN'T WAIT!! My mind is set & I'm willing to do whatever it takes to have a whole new me!!:tt1:

Hi tracy. Im a Jersey girl too and would love to help you out...or at least try. I was banded nov 6 2007 so to me im still a newbie but im here for you if you need me.

there is also a NJ support thread here with a bunch of GREAT ladies. most are not from NJ but they are very supportive and helpful in anything that you need.

Thanks Jessica!! I would love you to help me. My final 6 month drs appt for the insurance is next week & then everything will be submitted. My surgery is scheduled for 8/1. Where are you from in Jersey??

Im from essex county..how about you?

I'm from Edison, but I'm a teacher in Jersey City

how has the journey been going for you so far? who is your surgeon?

feel free to ask any questions that you may have...I will do my best to help you out.

Hi! So far the journey has been good. I have only 1 drs appt left then the paperwork will be submitted. My surgeon is Dr. Ewing from Hackensack Hospital. He's a doll. I can't wait for this surgery to happen!! Can you give me a list of things I should have in the house for when I get home from the surgery?? Thanks!!!

I was on a the Clear liquids for a week so I was surviving on sugar free Jello, ice pops, chicken broth and water/crystal light. really I didnt have the appetite to even want some other then that. the one thing I can say is that for the chicken broth I originally bought swansons broth and when I tried it I wanted to gag. the flavoring was just horrible so I moved on to the lipton packages of Soup that you add to Water and would just drink the broth. Im sure it was not as healthy as the basic chicken broth but it worked for me and the flavor made it easier to eat for lunch and dinner. I honeslty cant remember eating/drinking anything else. A lot of people call the liquid stage "bandster hell" but I have to say that it was not that bad. You will survive and the pay off will be so worth it.

for the full liquid stage I added a little bit of sugar free pudding and yogurt to the mix but still pretty much stuck with the broth as my "meal"

I also suggest having a heating pad handy for any gas pains that you may experience. I had no gas pains until a week out when I was helping a friend bake Cookies and from mixing the dough by hand I guess I bought the gas up to my shoulder...not fun. the heating pad did help with some of the pain. also make sure you have some comfy pajama pants. you may be a little swollen so you dont want anything that is going to be tight on your belly.

if I think of anything else I will let you know and if you have any other questions feel free to ask. hope this helps