Alex Brecher

Hope you're going on that long deserved vacation....

Let's clarify things.... We will never charge our members for membership to our community. Regular membership will always be free! We're planning to offer a premium membership option in the future. This membership would include no ads on the site or apps, free eBook downloads, upgraded food and weight trackers, more storage and other premium options. I hope this clarifies things.

Let's clarify things.... We will never charge our members for membership to our community. Regular membership will always be free! We're planning to offer a premium membership option in the future. This membership would include no ads on the site or apps, free eBook downloads, upgraded food and weight trackers, more storage and other premium options. I hope this clarifies things.

We need your help! We have been hard at work on our new Mobile Apps, and we're finally ready to release our beta version to a few lucky members for testing! We're looking for about 20-30 testers for our new Android Mobile App. We are looking for members who are active on the site, and are able to use the app several times a day, to be sure it's being tested thoroughly. If you're interested in testing for us, please go ahead and post to this topic.

Some browsers seem to block the login link. We're planning to fix this issue over the next few weeks. You can go to http://www.lapbandtalk.com/index.php?app=core&module=global&section=login or click here to login from your desktop.

See my response to the other thread please....

We have pretty sophisticated spam software that catches 99% of these guys before they get started. Some do fall through the crack and they're a big pain in the neck to deal with. The only way to root them out, is by having our members REPORT them. We review every single report we receive, daily. Thanks to everyone for assisting!

Thank you very much for your awesome feedback! Keep the ideas coming.

Thank you very much for your awesome feedback! Keep the ideas coming.

Absolutely

We're gonna fix this in the morn.

Thanks for the great suggestions! Keep them coming please.

It's not available yet. It will be available from this web site as well as Amazon, iBooks, Barnes and Nobles etc.

Thanks for your suggestion and feedback! You'll see some major changes in a few weeks. Premium membership will come soon after.

I've released The BIG Book on the Gastric Sleeve and The BIG Book on the Lap-Band and releasing The BIG Book on the Gastric Bypass in a few weeks (a trilogy!) I'm working on a fourth book targeted towards individuals that are post weight loss surgery. Some of the topics I'm planning to include: patient stories patient tips recipes meal plans specific food tips famous people with WLS Please let me know if there are other topics you think might interest individuals that are post weight loss surgery.

I've released The BIG Book on the Gastric Sleeve and The BIG Book on the Lap-Band and releasing The BIG Book on the Gastric Bypass in a few weeks (a trilogy!) I'm working on a fourth book targeted towards individuals that are post weight loss surgery. Some of the topics I'm planning to include: patient stories patient tips recipes meal plans specific food tips famous people with WLS Please let me know if there are other topics you think might interest individuals that are post weight loss surgery.

I've released The BIG Book on the Gastric Sleeve and The BIG Book on the Lap-Band and releasing The BIG Book on the Gastric Bypass in a few weeks (a trilogy!) I'm working on a fourth book targeted towards individuals that are post weight loss surgery. Some of the topics I'm planning to include: patient stories patient tips recipes meal plans specific food tips famous people with WLS Please let me know if there are other topics you think might interest individuals that are post weight loss surgery.

This is a fantastic suggestion. We're going to implement this in the very near future.

LBT made it to Business Insider! Check it out at "Inspiring Before-And-After Weight Loss Pictures"

This thread made it into BusinessInsider! "Inspiring Before-And-After Weight Loss Pictures" Check this out.

Great article Jean! Thanks as always for your great contribution.

Hey Bandsters! We’ve had floods, heat waves, snowstorms and picture-perfect days. Despite the unpredictable spring weather, we’re sure of one thing: that you’re just as dedicated as ever to your weight loss and health. Like the weather, everyone has up and down days, and LapBandTalk.com is here to help. Take advantage of our monthly newsletter to get back in the swing of things if you need to! Here’s what you’ll find in this newsletter. Bandster Poll – What is Most Important when Choosing a Bariatric Surgeon? Member Spotlight – Meet LovetheNewMe! Memorial Day Grilling – Celebrate the Bandster Way! Enjoy the newsletter, and then come on over to LapBandTalk.com to talk about it and whatever else is on your mind! Feel free to drop us a line anytime – we love hearing from members! See you on the boards! Sincerely, Alex Brecher Founder LapBandTalk.com Bandster Poll – What is Most Important when Choosing a Surgeon? Choosing the right bariatric surgeon can increase your chances of success with weight loss surgery. What do you think is the most important factor when choosing a surgeon? Surgeon history: lots of experience, good weight loss results and safe surgeries The surgeon’s credentials and board memberships and a Center of Excellence Recommendations from your friends and good patient reviews It “feels” right – you intuitively trust the surgeon and feel comfortable at the facility The postoperative “aftercare” program is thorough Something else. Let us know in the discussion! Make your choice and then explain it in the discussion using this link! Member Spotlight: Meet LovetheNewMe! This month’s member highlight is on LovetheNewMe, aka Diane or Love, from South Carolina. She’s 57 years old with two children and three grandchildren ages 7 to 13. This busy nurse is responsible for 250 employees and a Cardiac Critical Care Service Line. Her journey started in 2010. Her highest weight was 252 pounds, and she had joint pain, hypertension, asthma and sleep apnea. When Diane decided to get the lap-band, she wanted it to work. She told everyone about her decision so that she’d feel accountable. Her goal was a healthy BMI, not an overweight or obese BMI that many weight loss surgery patients end up at and where she was one year post-surgery. Even though her doctors were pleased with her progress and her health was better, she wanted to eliminate her pain, get off her medications and achieve a normal BMI. She says, “I wanted to be one of those persons you see in infomercials stating, “Results not typical.” She succeeded! She’s now at 120 pounds and a BMI of 22.7! Diane has faced her share of challenges. She had to eat slower, chew more and measure portions. Another hurdle was learning to enjoy exercise. Her decision to hire a trainer not only helped her learn new exercises that could be interesting and challenging, but also to learn more about nutrition and goal-setting. A big moment for her was realizing that obesity is an addiction, and the lap-band worked for her because she wanted it to. She has traded her addition to food for an addiction to “exercise and a healthy life.” Diane credits LapBandTalk.com with a lot of her success. As she says, “What better way to lose weight than with a group of friends who cut you no slack”? She appreciates the information on LapBandTalk.com and takes every opportunity to learn from experiences and people. She also has made deep friendships on the site. Her blog chronicles her journey truthfully. She’s an optimist who believes that anything is possible if you set your mind to it. Here is some of her advice. “Stop expecting the band to stop you from eating. The only person who can help you lose weight is you. You have to want to lose weight more than you want to eat that second dessert or that bag of chips.” Learn to love yourself and forgive yourself. Use positive affirmations. Want more advice from Diane? Head on over to the boards, and LovetheNewMe will be ready to help! Thanks for your advice and for being in the Member Spotlight, Diane! Congratulations on your success and on achieving the high standards you set for yourself! Do you want to be in the Member Spotlight? Do you want to meet another member? Let us know! Nominate yourself or another LapBandTalk.com member by posting on the forum. Or, if you’re shy, just send Alex Brecher a private message. We want to hear from you! Memorial Day Grilling – Celebrate the Bandster Way! Memorial Day marks the unofficial start to the summer grilling season. In your pre-surgery days, a barbecue might have meant ribs, rolls, coleslaw, baked Beans and cupcakes. Wash that down with a few beers or sodas, and hit the sofa to watch TV, and you have a diet disaster on your hands! What can the new, healthy you do? Go lean with Protein. Skip the ribs, hot dogs, beef hamburgers and chicken wings. Instead, opt for grilled chicken breast or fish. Bring your own. If you’re not sure that there’ll be something at the party that’s on your diet, bring your own. You can always bring a dish to share; other people will appreciate the healthy option, too! Stay low-cal. Choose the lower-fat, lower-sugar options, and watch your portion sizes. Skip the slaw and Desserts, and go for watermelon, raw vegetables or corn on the cob – without butter – instead. You might not be able to eat corn with the band. Other cooked vegetables and soft fruits can be safer choices. Watch your fluids. Drink Water or unsweetened iced tea instead of beverages with calories, and of course, don’t drink when you’re eating or within 30 minutes before or after. Enjoy the company. You’re at the party to socialize. Focus on being friendly and enjoying others’ company instead of on your food. You’ll be surprised at how much more you enjoy the get-together! Keep moving. Play volleyball, toss beanbags and go swimming if that’s what everyone else is doing. If you’re too shy to join in a competitive game, such as volleyball, stay involved by refereeing, cheerleading and chasing stray balls. Anything that keeps you moving is better for your weight loss than lying on the couch. These are just a few tips. Don’t forget to get more ideas and share your own on the boards. Happy Memorial Day! Big Book on the Lap-Band Are you looking for more information on the lap-band? Check out our very own The BIG Book on the Lap-Band: Everything You Need To Know To Lose Weight and Live Well with the Adjustable Gastric Band! Written by LapBandTalk.com found Alex Brecher, this book is for you if you have the band or if you’re considering it or another weight loss surgery. It’s packed with information to take you along your weight loss journey. It’ll help you decide whether to get the lap-band, and guide you as you choose a surgeon, plan for your surgery and recover. If you’re already a lap-band patient, the Big Book will keep you motivated and give you tips to lose weight and stay healthy. Don’t miss it! Order your hard copy or ebook from LapBandTalk.com or Amazon. That finishes up this month’s newsletter. We hope you enjoyed it, and we’re always happy to hear you feedback on the newsletter or anything else at LapBandTalk.com! Don’t forget that you can always check out the old newsletters, too. Thanks for reading the newsletter and being a member of our community. Take care of yourself and each other. Sincerely, Alex ============================================================== If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, you may unsubscribe by going to your Control Panel and clicking on the Newsletters tab, or clicking on the following link: {unsubscribe}

VerticalSleeveTalk Newsletter Hey Sleevers! We’ve had floods, heat waves, snowstorms and picture-perfect days. Despite the unpredictable spring weather, we’re sure of one thing: that you’re just as dedicated as ever to your weight loss and health. Like the weather, everyone has up and down days, and VerticalSleeveTalk.com is here to help. Take advantage of our monthly newsletter to get back in the swing of things if you need to! Here’s what you’ll find in this newsletter. Sleever Poll – What is Most Important when Choosing a Bariatric Surgeon? Member Spotlight – Meet Laura-ven! Memorial Day Grilling – Celebrate the Sleever Way! Enjoy the newsletter, and then come on over to VerticalSleeveTalk.com to talk about it and whatever else is on your mind! Feel free to drop us a line anytime – we love hearing from members! See you on the boards! Sincerely, Alex Brecher Founder VerticalSleeveTalk.com Sleever Poll – What is Most Important when Choosing a Surgeon? Choosing the right bariatric surgeon can increase your chances of success with weight loss surgery. What do you think is the most important factor when choosing a surgeon? Surgeon history: lots of experience, good weight loss results and safe surgeries The surgeon’s credentials and board memberships and a Center of Excellence Recommendations from your friends and good patient reviews It “feels” right – you intuitively trust the surgeon and feel comfortable at the facility The postoperative “aftercare” program is thorough Something else. Let us know in the discussion! Make your choice and then explain it in the discussion using this link! Member Spotlight: Meet Laura-ven! Our May Member Spotlight is on Laura-ven from Los Gatos, California. She’s a 46-year-old mother of children who are 16 and 11 years old. She got the surgery so that she’ll “be there to watch them grow up and have children of their own,” but she’s “also looking forward to life with my husband after they leave.” She was on medications for high blood pressure. Her starting weight was 235 pounds. Since surgery in November of last year, she’s lost 58 pounds en route to a goal of 135 pounds. Now, she’s almost out of the obese category with a BMI of 30! Since getting the sleeve, Laura-ven feels healthier and more comfortable in the world. She no longer tries to “hide” in public, and she’s more comfortable interacting with people. She’s had plenty of proud moments, such as going beach camping with her family and easily completing a steep 5 mile hike! She also loves feeling her husband wrap his arms around her and squeeze the new, smaller Laura! Laura-ven has also been able to get off of her medications. Another victory was being able to throw away unworn pants that used to sit in her closet because they were too small…and now they’re way too big! Laura-ven still thinks about food, and realizes that you have “to make the mental journey along with the physical one” if you’re going to succeed with the sleeve. She advises members who are struggling with weight loss not to lose hope. Also, don't be afraid to ask for help, and know that not everyone is a "miracle" loser. “This is a journey for life and it takes time” She came to VerticalSleeveTalk.com to get information before surgery, and she stayed for the support and friendships. Laura appreciates the camaraderie since, as she says, “we are all traveling the road together. I am here to support and be supported.” Laura, thank you for sharing your advice and story in our Member Spotlight! Congratulations on your weight loss so far, and we’re rooting for you to meet your goals! Do you want to be in the Member Spotlight? Do you want to meet another member? Let us know! Nominate yourself or another VerticalSleeveTalk.com member by posting on the forum. Or, if you’re shy, just send Alex Brecher a private message. We want to hear from you! Memorial Day Grilling – Celebrate the Sleever Way! Memorial Day marks the unofficial start to the summer grilling season. In your pre-surgery days, a barbecue might have meant ribs, rolls, coleslaw, baked Beans and cupcakes. Wash that down with a few beers or sodas, and hit the sofa to watch TV, and you have a diet disaster on your hands! What can the new, healthy you do? Go lean with Protein. Skip the ribs, hot dogs, beef hamburgers and chicken wings. Instead, opt for grilled chicken breast or fish. Bring your own. If you’re not sure that there’ll be something at the party that’s on your diet, bring your own. You can always bring a dish to share; other people will appreciate the healthy option, too! Stay low-cal. Choose the lower-fat, lower-sugar options, and watch your portion sizes. Skip the slaw and Desserts, and go for watermelon, raw vegetables or corn on the cob – without butter – instead. Watch your fluids. Drink Water or unsweetened iced tea instead of beverages with calories, and of course, don’t drink when you’re eating or within 30 minutes before or after. Enjoy the company. You’re at the party to socialize. Focus on being friendly and enjoying others’ company instead of on your food. You’ll be surprised at how much more you enjoy the get-together! Keep moving. Play volleyball, toss beanbags and go swimming if that’s what everyone else is doing. If you’re too shy to join in a competitive game, such as volleyball, stay involved by refereeing, cheerleading and chasing stray balls. Anything that keeps you moving is better for your weight loss than lying on the couch. These are just a few tips. Don’t forget to get more ideas and share your own on the boards. Happy Memorial Day! Big Book on the Gastric Sleeve Are you looking for more information on the gastric sleeve? Check out our very own The BIG Book on the Gastric Sleeve: Everything You Need To Know To Lose Weight and Live Well with the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy! Written by VerticalSleeveTalk.com founder Alex Brecher, book is for you if you have the sleeve or if you’re considering it or another weight loss surgery. It’s packed with information to take you along your weight loss journey. It’ll help you decide whether to get the sleeve, and guide you as you choose a surgeon, plan for your surgery and recover. If you’re already a sleever, the Big Book will keep you motivated and give you tips to lose weight and stay healthy. Don’t miss it! Order your hard copy or ebook from Amazon. That finishes up this month’s newsletter. We hope you enjoyed it, and we’re always happy to hear you feedback on the newsletter or anything else at VerticalSleeveTalk.com! Don’t forget that you can always check out the old newsletters, too. Thanks for reading the newsletter and being a member of our community. Take care of yourself and each other. Sincerely, Alex ============================================================== If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, you may unsubscribe by going to your Control Panel and clicking on the Newsletters tab, or clicking on the following link: {unsubscribe}

RNYTalk Newsletter Hey RNYTalk members! We’ve had floods, heat waves, snowstorms and picture-perfect days. Despite the unpredictable spring weather, we’re sure of one thing: that you’re just as dedicated as ever to your weight loss and health. Like the weather, everyone has up and down days, and RNYTalk.com is here to help. Take advantage of our monthly newsletter to get back in the swing of things if you need to! Here’s what you’ll find in this newsletter. RNYTalk Poll – What is Most Important when Choosing a Bariatric Surgeon? Member Spotlight – Meet Anniesmom12! Memorial Day Grilling – Celebrate the Bypass Way! Enjoy the newsletter, and then come on over to RNYTalk.com to talk about it and whatever else is on your mind! Feel free to drop us a line anytime – we love hearing from members! See you on the boards! Sincerely, Alex Brecher Founder RNYTalk.com RNYTalk Poll – What is Most Important when Choosing a Surgeon? Choosing the right bariatric surgeon can increase your chances of success with weight loss surgery. What do you think is the most important factor when choosing a surgeon? Surgeon history: lots of experience, good weight loss results and safe surgeries The surgeon’s credentials and board memberships and a Center of Excellence Recommendations from your friends and good patient reviews It “feels” right – you intuitively trust the surgeon and feel comfortable at the facility The postoperative “aftercare” program is thorough Something else. Let us know in the discussion! Make your choice and then explain it in the discussion using this link! Member Spotlight: Meet Anniesmom12! This month’s member spotlight is on Anniesmom12. She’s a 44-year-old from Boiling Springs, South Carolina. She is 5 feet 7 inches, and her starting weight was 370 pounds. Anniesmom12 says she decided to get the surgery when she saw that she was fast approaching 400 pounds. Not only that, but her 16-year-old daughter was also struggling with obesity. Anniesmom12 got her gastric bypass surgery in August of 2012 and has lost 100 pounds. She’s at 270 pounds, about halfway to her goal weight of 165 pounds. Anniesmom12 says that “there are tons of differences in life after surgery...I actually have one!” She can do so much more. Her energy levels are up, she loves exercise and is able to be active with her family. Even work is better because she can “walk without giving out, and bend, stoop and file without having to take breaks and sit in a chair.” Support has been one of Anniesmom12’s greatest challenges. Some of her friends who were earlier supporters are no longer so supportive. The reason is that Anniesmom12 weighs less than they do! Anniesmom12 loves RNYTalk for its information and support. She appreciates having people who are in her current situation or where she was when she started. Anniesmom12’s advice is to “Be true to the pouch; don’t cheat!” Also, she reminds members to love yourself no matter what that scale says! Thanks, Anniesmom12, for being in our spotlight! Congratulations on your weight loss and thanks for sharing your journey and advice with RNYTalk! Do you want to be in the Member Spotlight? Do you want to meet another member? Let us know! Nominate yourself or another RNYTalk.com member by posting on the forum. Or, if you’re shy, just send Alex Brecher a private message. We want to hear from you! Memorial Day Grilling – Celebrate the Bypass Way! Memorial Day marks the unofficial start to the summer grilling season. In your pre-surgery days, a barbecue might have meant ribs, rolls, coleslaw, baked Beans and cupcakes. Wash that down with a few beers or sodas, and hit the sofa to watch TV, and you have a diet disaster on your hands! What can the new, healthy you do? Go lean with Protein. Skip the ribs, hot dogs, beef hamburgers and chicken wings. Instead, opt for grilled chicken breast or fish. Bring your own. If you’re not sure that there’ll be something at the party that’s on your diet, bring your own. You can always bring a dish to share; other people will appreciate the healthy option, too! Stay low-cal. Choose the lower-fat, lower-sugar options, and watch your portion sizes. Skip the slaw and Desserts, and go for watermelon, raw vegetables or corn on the cob – without butter – instead. Watch your fluids. Drink Water or unsweetened iced tea instead of beverages with calories, and of course, don’t drink when you’re eating or within 30 minutes before or after. Enjoy the company. You’re at the party to socialize. Focus on being friendly and enjoying others’ company instead of on your food. You’ll be surprised at how much more you enjoy the get-together! Keep moving. Play volleyball, toss beanbags and go swimming if that’s what everyone else is doing. If you’re too shy to join in a competitive game, such as volleyball, stay involved by refereeing, cheerleading and chasing stray balls. Anything that keeps you moving is better for your weight loss than lying on the couch. These are just a few tips. Don’t forget to get more ideas and share your own on the boards. Happy Memorial Day! Can’t Wait for the Big Book on the Gastric Bypass? Are you looking for more information on the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass? We’re working on bringing you The BIG Book on the Gastric Bypass, written by RNYTalk.com found Alex Brecher. It’ll be out within months. In the mean time, check out The BIG Book on the Gastric Sleeve: Everything You Need To Know To Lose Weight and Live Well with the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy! and The BIG Book on the Lap-Band: Everything You Need To Know To Lose Weight and Live Well with the Adjustable Gastric Band! These books are packed with information to take you along your weight loss journey. They’ll help you decide which surgery to get, and they guide you as you choose a surgeon, plan for your surgery and recover. If you’re already a weight loss surgery patient, the Big Books will keep you motivated and give you tips to lose weight and stay healthy. Order your hard copies or ebooks directly or from Amazon.com! That finishes up this month’s newsletter. We hope you enjoyed it, and we’re always happy to hear you feedback on the newsletter or anything else at RNYTalk.com! Don’t forget that you can always check out the old newsletters, too. Thanks for reading the newsletter and being a member of our community. Take care of yourself and each other. Sincerely, Alex ==============================================================If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, you may unsubscribe by going to your Control Panel and clicking on the Newsletters tab, or clicking on the following link: {unsubscribe}