Tomander

Hi I have some suggestions that may help you. I just recently posted this again here but I think it's worth repeating for new bandsters. I just received two wonderful e-mails from fellow bandsters that had read this post a few months ago and one tired the "Egg Timer Distraction" trick for the month of October and it really helped her with her head hunger and she got back on the "band-wagon"... I know bad pun... but she was down 11 lbs. The other person was down 9 lbs. Both people also enjoyed the books. Again... these are things that I've just found help but I've shared this information with many bandsters over the years in my coffee groups and here and it has seem to help a lot of people. Also, you'll notice that I mention about finishing what you have in your mouth before you take your second or third bite... so many people in my lapband coffee groups have told me that now they really stop and think about how they eat... take tiny bites... the size of your pinky fingernail and MAKE sure you finish what you have in your mouth before you take that next bite. I think many of us have felt or are feeling what you are going through right now. I know for me I never realized how much food controlled my life. I had a really had time with “head hunger” in the evenings. I’ve been banded just over 6 years and have talked about this here a couple of time but I think it’s worth repeating for new bandsters. Try and take it one day at a time. Don’t compare yourself to others. Don’t go into this journey saying “I’ll never be able to eat this or that ever again.” I can eat ANYTHING except rice and apple skins and no carbonated beverages. Follow the guidelines given to you by your doctor. Remember… take tiny bites (the size of your pinky fingernail) and remember to finish what you have in your mouth before you take your next bite... this cannot be repeated enough in the beginning... I'm 6 years out and I still make sure take 1 bite at a time. I also was self-pay. I couldn't and cannot afford to have my fail. When I was losing weight I checked in every month with my family doctor to get weighed and measured. (I don’t own scales) I also attended two coffee groups for people that were banded. These things really kept me motivated and on track. I still check in every month with my family doctor to get weighed-in and I host two coffee groups. For me support from fellow bandsters plays a big part in this journey. Back when I was banded my doctor suggested something called the “Egg Timer Distraction”. It’s kind of difficult to explain here but I’d be happy to email you the .pdf document. It REALLY helped me with “head hunger. I can’t tell you the number of people in my lapband coffee groups over the years that have said how helpful this “trick” has been in dealing with their head hunger. Also, I’m not really a “diet” book type person but I recommend you pick up two books. Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat: How to Break Your Eat-Repent-Repeat Cycle – by Dr. Michelle May I had the pleasure of hearing Dr. May speak at a conference when she came to Toronto and her book and guidelines really work well with the lapband journey. The second book is: The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite – by David L. Kessler Please feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions and also if you would like a copy of the “Egg Timer Distraction Document”. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs tomander@bell.net

The band is a GREAT tool. I have no regrets at all... it's the best thing I ever did. Here's some advice I give to new bandsters that I've shared here before. I’ve been banded just over 6 years and have talked about this here a couple of time but I think it’s worth repeating for new bandsters. Try and take it one day at a time. Don’t compare yourself to others. Don’t go into this journey saying “I’ll never be able to eat this or that ever again.” I can eat ANYTHING except rice and apple skins and no carbonated beverages. Follow the guidelines given to you by your doctor. Take tiny bites and remember to finish what you have in your mouth before you take your next bite. When I was losing weight I checked in every month with my family doctor to get weighed and measured. (I don’t own scales) I also attended two coffee groups for people that were banded. These things really kept me motivated and on track. I still check in every month with my family doctor to get weighed-in and I host two coffee groups. For me support from fellow bandsters plays a big part in this journey. Back when I was banded my doctor suggested something called the “Egg Timer Distraction”. It’s kind of difficult to explain here but I’d be happy to email you the .pdf document. It REALLY helped me with “head hunger. I can’t tell you the number of people in my lapband coffee groups over the years that have said how helpful this “trick” has been in dealing with their head hunger. Also, I’m not really a “diet” book type person but I recommend you pick up two books. Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat: How to Break Your Eat-Repent-Repeat Cycle – by Dr. Michelle May I had the pleasure of hearing Dr. May speak at a conference when she came to Toronto and her book and guidelines really work well with the lapband journey. The second book is: The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite – by David L. Kessler Please feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions and also if you would like a copy of the “Egg Timer Distraction Document”. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs tomander@bell.net

I use straws all the time. My doctor said it was fine. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs tomander@bell.net

HI Alicia Remember you are having this surgery for you... this is an investment in your health and your future. I've talked about this here before but I think it's worth repeating for new bandsters. If you have any questions please feel free to e-mail me. I’ve been banded just over 6 years and have talked about this here a couple of time but I think it’s worth repeating for new bandsters. Try and take it one day at a time. Don’t compare yourself to others. Don’t go into this journey saying “I’ll never be able to eat this or that ever again.” I can eat ANYTHING except rice and apple skins and no carbonated beverages. Follow the guidelines given to you by your doctor. Take tiny bites and remember to finish what you have in your mouth before you take your next bite. When I was losing weight I checked in every month with my family doctor to get weighed and measured. (I don’t own scales) I also attended two coffee groups for people that were banded. These things really kept me motivated and on track. I still check in every month with my family doctor to get weighed-in and I host two coffee groups. For me support from fellow bandsters plays a big part in this journey. Back when I was banded my doctor suggested something called the “Egg Timer Distraction”. It’s kind of difficult to explain here but I’d be happy to email you the .pdf document. It REALLY helped me with “head hunger. I can’t tell you the number of people in my lapband coffee groups over the years that have said how helpful this “trick” has been in dealing with their head hunger. Also, I’m not really a “diet” book type person but I recommend you pick up two books. Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat: How to Break Your Eat-Repent-Repeat Cycle – by Dr. Michelle May I had the pleasure of hearing Dr. May speak at a conference when she came to Toronto and her book and guidelines really work well with the lapband journey. The second book is: The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite – by David L. Kessler Please feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions and also if you would like a copy of the “Egg Timer Distraction Document”. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs tomander@bell

I only told my immediate family and they were all very supportive. When people started to notice how fast I was losing weight they wanted to know how I was doing it. I told people. Everyone was very supportive. They knew it was an investment in my health.. I was self pay If you have any questions please feel free to e-mail me. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs tomander@bell.net

You will be fine! Take it one day at a time. Here's some advice and helpful hints I give to new bandsters... I’ve been banded just over 6 years and have talked about this here a couple of time but I think it’s worth repeating for new bandsters. Back when I was banded my doctor suggested something called the “Egg Timer Distraction”. It’s kind of difficult to explain here but I’d be happy to email you the .pdf document. It REALLY helped me with “head hunger. I can’t tell you the number of people in my lapband coffee groups over the years that have said how helpful this “trick” has been in dealing with their head hunger. Also, I’m not really a “diet” book type person but I recommend you pick up two books. Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat: How to Break Your Eat-Repent-Repeat Cycle – by Dr. Michelle May I had the pleasure of hearing Dr. May speak at a conference when she came to Toronto and her book and guidelines really work well with the lapband journey. The second book is: The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite – by David L. Kessler Try and take it one day at a time. Don’t compare yourself to others. Don’t go into this journey saying “I’ll never be able to eat this or that ever again.” I can eat ANYTHING except rice and apple skins and no carbonated beverages. Follow the guidelines given to you by your doctor. Take tiny bites and remember to finish what you have in your mouth before you take your next bite. When I was losing weight I checked in every month with my family doctor to get weighed and measured. (I don’t own scales) I also attended two coffee groups for people that were banded. These things really kept me motivated and on track. I still check in every month with my family doctor to get weighed-in and I host two coffee groups. For me support from fellow bandsters plays a big part in this journey. Please feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions and also if you would like a copy of the “Egg Timer Distraction Document”. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs tomander@bell.net

I only had to crush my pills for 2 days following my surgery. I've had not issues taking pills... even large antibiotics. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs tomander@bell.net

You may need a tiny de-fill. Most doctors require you to clear liquids for 24 hours after a fill... but each doctor is different. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs tomander@bell.net

Lapband coffee Group - Durham Wednesday, November 21st – 7:00 p.m. Williams Fresh Cafe 1650 Victoria Street East Whitby, ON (905) 571-5145 (Very close to the Oshawa GO Train Station) The Lapband Coffee Groups are open to EVERYONE who has had Lapband Surgery or if you’re looking into the lapband process, recently banded, or a long time "Bandster". This is a great way to find out about the lapband from individuals who have had the surgery and to ask questions or just listen to individuals share their lapband journey experience. No need to sign up… just show up and if you can’t find the group ask for Tom at the cash register. If you have any questions before the coffee group please contact: Tom – tomander@bell.net You can also check out: http://www.meetup.com/Lapband-Coffee-Groups-Toronto-GTA/ Let’s all “band” together for a cup of coffee!

Second Cup 7700 Hurontario Street, Building E, Unit 504 Brampton, ON The Lapband coffee Groups are open to EVERYONE who has had Lapband Surgery or if you’re looking into the lapband process, recently banded, or a long time "Bandster". This is a great way to find out about the lapband from individuals who have had the surgery and to ask questions or just listen to individuals share their lapband journey experience. No need to sign up… just show up and if you can’t find the group ask for Tom at the cash register. If you have any questions before the coffee group please contact: Tom – tomander@bell.net Also checkout: http://www.meetup.com/Lapband-Coffee-Groups-Toronto-GTA/ Let’s all “band” together for a cup of coffee!

I lost 156 lbs. I had an extended tummy tuck and had 16 lbs of skin removed and 4 lbs of skin removed from each "manboobie". I saw 4 plastic surgeons before I picked my doctor and was told the same thing from all the doctors that compression garments are not a long-term solution and that they can cause circulations issues and should not be worn every day. Following my tummy tuck I had to wear a binder (girdle) for 3 months and I got to take it off 2 hours a day. Having the extra skin removed made a huge difference. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs tomander@bell.net

It's surprising how well the heating pad or any form of heat helps afterwards. The only pain I had was the left shoulder pain... it lasted for 3 days. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs tomander@bell.net

I host several coffee groups in the GTA area. They are open to everyone from all clinics. I post them here. Please feel free to email me if you have any questions about the coffee groups or about the lapband. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs tomander@bell.net

Welcome to "Bandland". This is a great place for information... take it one day at a time and ask lots of questions. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs tomander@bell.net

My doctor said coffee and tea was fine. I also use real cream...that's my "treat"... I have two coffees a day... small. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs tomander@bell.net

I used coffee creamer on the liquid stage... my doctor said it was fine. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. loss: 156 lbs tomander@bell.net

Well said Lynn. Follow-up care is so important and you do have to work with the band. There was a very interesting article in the National Post the other day. http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/10/13/thick-to-thin-gastric-band-weight-loss-clinic-denies-allegations-of-putting-patients-at-risk/ Good luck with your surgery. If your in the GTA area and would like to meet for coffee I host several coffee groups. I post them here or you can e-mail me. The coffee groups are a great way to connect with other bandsters at all stages of the journey. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss; 156 lbs tomander@bell.net

I've been banded just over 6 years. I still have the occasional drink(s) but I do prefer to eat my calories. I don't drink wine...and of course no carbonated beverage of any kind so no beer and diet pop to mix with liquor. I usually have Baileys and coffee or a Bloody Caesar. While I was losing my weight I didn't drink any alcohol...but that was by choice... again because I want to eat my extra calories. I really struck to my menu plan. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss; 156 lbs tomander@bell.net

I suffered from acid reflux since I was 14. I was on 2 prescription medications and lived on Tums. I was banded when I was 39. My acid reflux went away 3 days after I was banded and I didn't have a hernia. I was self-pay. If I didn't lose a pound just to have my acid reflux go away was worth it. I think I would have paid double if I had known my acid reflux would have disappeared. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

I didn't have to do a pre-op diet because I didn't have much fat around my liver. I only used Protein drinks for the first two week. I used vanilla.. didn't really care for them. Here some things as a new bandster you might find helpful... especially if you have trouble eating a large meal at night or snacking and a few other pieces of information. I’ve been banded just over 6 years and have talked about this here a couple of time but I think it’s worth repeating for new bandsters. Back when I was banded my doctor suggested something called the “Egg Timer Distraction”. It’s kind of difficult to explain here but I’d be happy to email you the .pdf document. It REALLY helped me with “head hunger. I can’t tell you the number of people in my lapband coffee groups over the years that have said how helpful this “trick” has been in dealing with their head hunger. Also, I’m not really a “diet” book type person but I recommend you pick up two books. Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat: How to Break Your Eat-Repent-Repeat Cycle – by Dr. Michelle May I had the pleasure of hearing Dr. May speak at a conference when she came to Toronto and her book and guidelines really work well with the lapband journey. The second book is: The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite – by David L. Kessler Try and take it one day at a time. Don’t compare yourself to others. Don’t go into this journey saying “I’ll never be able to eat this or that ever again.” I can eat ANYTHING except rice and apple skins and no carbonated beverages. Follow the guidelines given to you by your doctor. Take tiny bites and remember to finish what you have in your mouth before you take your next bite. When I was losing weight I checked in every month with my family doctor to get weighed and measured. (I don’t own scales) I also attended two coffee groups for people that were banded. These things really kept me motivated and on track. I still check in every month with my family doctor to get weighed-in and I host two coffee groups. For me support from fellow bandsters plays a big part in this journey. Please feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions and also if you would like a copy of the “Egg Timer Distraction Document”. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs tomander@bell.net

Welcome to "Bandland"!! Just take it one day at a time... this is a great place for information. Tom, Toronto Banded july 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

My doctor said NO baby food... but each doctor is different. I was on four different stages... clear liquids, full liquids, mushies then solid foods. There were sample menus that I followed at each stage... they were a BIG help to me. I followed them to the letter for best results. The only change I made was I substituted fish with turkey... because I don't like fish and my doctor said this was ok. Just remember each doctor is different and each person is different. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

Lapband coffee Group - Durham Wednesday, October 17th – 7:00 p.m. Williams Fresh Cafe 1650 Victoria Street East Whitby, ON (905) 571-5145 (Very close to the Oshawa GO Train Station) The Lapband Coffee Groups are open to EVERYONE who has had Lapband Surgery or if you’re looking into the lapband process, recently banded, or a long time "Bandster". This is a great way to find out about the lapband from individuals who have had the surgery and to ask questions or just listen to individuals share their lapband journey experience. No need to sign up… just show up and if you can’t find the group ask for Tom at the cash register. If you have any questions before the coffee group please contact: Tom – tomander@bell.net You can also check out: http://www.meetup.com/Lapband-Coffee-Groups-Toronto-GTA/ Let’s all “band” together for a cup of coffee!

If you can try and hook up with a support group in your area. Go back to your doctor and work with them to get back on track. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

Welcome to "Bandland". Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs tomander@bell.net