Tomander

It's NEVER too late to get back on track... maybe we can help. What's going on? Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss 156 lbs

This is a great place for informations. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs tomander@bell.net

I host groups in Toronto, Richmond Hill, Burlington, Brampton and Durham... I used to host a group in Barrie. Where were you banded ? Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

I wasn't banded at CIBO but I've met a few people that were banded there and have met the owner. People from CIBO have come out the the monthly coffee groups I host. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs tomander@bell.net

Hi Don't get discouraged. Many people don't lose until their first fill. You may be losing in inches? Did you take your measurements? Here are somethings you might find helpful. 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”. It does get better !!!! Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06

I used Collace as stool softener... very mild but it works. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs tomander@bell.net

HI Carrie There is a private e-mail function on here but I know there is problems with it sometimes. PLEASE feel free to e-mail me at tomander@bell.net If you would like to chat on the phone I'd be happy to speak with you... I have free long distance and have many "phone band buddies" in the US. If you e-mail me I have some other information I can give you. I'm going out now but will be home the rest of the week. I'm also available during the day. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs tomander@bell.net

64 oz. seems like a lot. I was told 24 oz. but I guess each doctor is different.... try your best... it will get better. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs tomander@bell.net

Hi Welcome! I was also self-pay... the lapband is worth every penny... it saved my life. Here's a couple of things you might find helpful. 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 have 7.5 cc in a 10 cc band and I've had 4 fills in total... didn't feel any of them. I remember saying to the doctor... "Can you tell when you put the needle in... and he said I'm done." Most doctors/nurses use a very fine needle... nothing to worry about. Your doing a great job. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs tomander@bell.net

Tuesday, October 9th, 2012 – 7:00 p.m. Second Cup 7700 Hurontario Street (Located in the Longo's Plaza) Brampton, Ontario 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.co...ps-Toronto-GTA/ Let’s all “band” together for a cup of coffee!

Your doing great. 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

Congratulations on your new journey! 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

Just think... this time next year how far along you will be !! Good luck. If you have any questions feel free to ask. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs tomander@bell.net

Welcome Amber ! I've met some great people on this site over the past 6 years. You sound like your on the right track... take it one day at a time. Ask lots of questions. I still get weighed in every month with my family doctor (I don't own scales). I also host 2 monthly coffee groups for people that are banded or looking into procedure. Both these things keep me motivated. Please feel free to email me if you have any questions. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs tomander@bell.net

You will love Dr. Cobourn. I wasn't banded at SWLC but just met fellow bandsters for coffee this morning and there were some women in the group that were banded at SWLC. Dr. C. has come to several of my coffee groups to give a talk on how the band works... he's a great guy. I'm sure you will be very happy with him and follow-up care at SWLC. I know several people that live out of town that were banded at SWLC and are very happy. If you have any questions please feel free to email me. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs tomander@bell.net

I totally agree. If you listen to your doctor and follow the guidelines and work with your new "tool" no matter what kind of band you have you will have great results. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs tomander@bell.net

It depends on your doctor. I have the MIDband. I host a monthly coffee group. We have people from various clinics that attend. Some people have the Lapband, some the MIDband and various others. I was told it depends on the persons body type. I've been banded over 6 years and have had no issues and have been very happy. I wouldn't be too concerned. I alway recommend to new bandsters try not to 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. This is a wonderful place to get information and ask lots of questions. Please feel free to email me if you have any questions. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs tomander@bell.net

I really enjoyed both books. If I had read David's book in high school I'm sure I wouldn't have been as fat as I was when I was banded. Both books really made me stop and think. I love the band because I don't feel like I missing out on anything (with the exception of the rice, apple skins and pop). I can still eat my carbs I can still go out to dinner with friends have pizza... but instead of eating 6 slices of pizza (yes I did that) or order in a large pizza at home (I live alone) I can now eat 1 to 2 slices and feel full. When I eat now I feel full but NEVER stuffed. I enjoy my food much more now. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs tomander@bell.net

You are off on the right track !! I was SOOOO happy to read that you were going to weigh yourself once a month. I don't own scales. Before I was banded I had a complete physical with my family doctor 1 month before my surgery and I decided that when I come and see he every month for my regular visit for bloodwork I would get weighed and measured every month. I am so glad I did this. This kept me so motivated to stay on track. My doctor kept an spreadsheet with my weight, chest, hips and waist measurements for 14 (that's how long it took to reach my goal). When it came to for my monthly doctor visit I was so excited to step on the scale. Some months I think my family doctor was more excited than I was. I had 4 fills during my lapband journey (no de-fills) when I had to go to clinic for my fills I did get weighed there but that was the only time I stepped the scale. I knew I was losing not because of the number scale but because the inches. So many people in the 2 coffee groups I host tell me that they may plateau for 1 or 2 weeks BUT they still lose inches. You will read again and again that the band is a "tool" and I am a strong believer in that. Take it one day 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 or apple skins... and carbonated beverages. Follow the guidelines given to you by your doctor. I've complied a CD full of lapband friendly recipes and articles that I used to email to people but now it's too large to send out.. I'd be happy to mail you a copy if you like. 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 Lastly... if you have problems with "head hunger" I have document 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. Just this past Wednesday 2 people came up to me and said they used the "trick" this past month and 1 person was down 11 lbs.. the other 8 lbs. Please feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs tomander@bell.net

Hi Goingforit 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. 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. 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

Hi Harleymelm I haven't received your e-mail yet tomander@bell.net It would be my pleasure to send you the CD ... consider it my good deed for the day. Try e-mailing again and I'll send you the file... also send me your address so I can send you the CD. I just sent a CD to my friend Elaine in Texas (she was also recently banded) and it took just over a week. I'm live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Tom

Hi PLEASE don't feel frustrated. It takes a lot to stretch your pouch. I have document that may help you with cravings and night time snacking... I've talked about it over the years...but because your new you probably have not seen it. It's called the "Egg Timer Distraction Trick" It's kind of hard to explain here but i'd be happy to email it to you. Please e-mail me and I'll send you the .pdf file. In the subject line put Egg Timer Trick. Also, make sure you take one bite at a time... and finish what you have in your mouth before your take your next bite. I also have CD with lots of lapband recipes and articles that I've complied over the past 6 years... I'd be happy to mail you a copy. If you would like to chat on the phone to ask questions I have free long distance and would be happy to chat with you.. I have a group of "band-buddies" that a chat with on the phone with on a regular basis both in Canada and the US. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs EM: tomander@bell.net

That's VERY normal. Take one day at a time... you will start to see results.... don't forget to take your measurements... try not to weigh yourself everyday... try only once a week. While I was losing I only got weighed and measured once a month by my family doctor (i don't own scales). I found this really kept me motivated and on track. I still get weighed in every month with my family doctor and host a monthly coffee group for people that are banded or looking into the procedure. Support groups are also are big help. Good luck. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs tomander@bell.net

Welcome !! I didn't have to do the pre-op diet and only tired Protein shakes for 3 days during the first week... they were really bad. I've met some really great people here and learned a lot in the 6 years I've been here. Feel free to email me if you have any questions or I'd be happy to call you... I have free long distance. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs tomander@bell.net