Tomander

I have no regrets at all. I just past my 8 year "Banniversary". The band saved my life. My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

Thank you ! It feels good to be back home. I'm slowly getting back into the swing of things after my hip replacement. I had a few complications other than my hip but I'm on the mend now. I lost 14 lbs while I was in the hospital and rehab... I was in for 38 days and didn't have much energy and wasn't able to walk at all so I didn't burn off any calories and I didn't have much of an appetite because of all the meds... but I hope to put those pounds back now that I'm back home (I never thought I'd say that... LOL). Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

Hello Band Buddies Well I’m two days late celebrating 8th Banniversary” (July 6, 2006) but I have something extra to Celebrate this year. I finally have my new left hip! The past few months for lack of a better word have been horrendous but if I had not been banded the situation would have been much worse because I would have turned to food to help “make me feel better and pick me up”. The hip surgery went very well when I finally had it done (there were complications when the surgery was first started and it had to be stopped and then restarted two days later.) I’m finally had it and I’m on the mend. I spend 10 days in hospital and 28 days in Rehab. As I look back not only on the past year but the past 8 years I think of how the band has helped me through so many stressful situations… yes when your stressed the band can be your enemy but it can also help you (or it helped me). As I have mentioned in my past “Banniversary Posts” I had done all my research; talk to the doctors several times prior to my surgery. Read everything I could on the internet about the lapband and joined several message boards. I was in the Lapbandtalk.com chat room every night for two months prior to surgery and I even spoke with two patients on the phone. I was ready to begin my lapband journey. I can remember right after the surgery I said… “What have I done myself”. I thought I was going to die from the left shoulder pain I was experiencing. The fourth day past and going into the fifth day I was starting to feel “normal” but little did I realize that from that day on my life, in particular how I looked at food would change. I kept my food journal everyday for the first four months. I wrote down everything. Every Monday morning I would sit and re-read the information my clinic gave me. I’ve had 4 adjustments in total and every time I went for an adjustment I asked lots of questions at the meetings before my adjustment. My nurse was ALWAYS a wealth of information. Every month when I went to my family doctor for my monthly weigh-in and measurements I took my folder with all my lapband info in it along with my food journals for the past month and I would review my journals with my family doctor and then he would take out the measuring tape and then I would get weighed. The lapband journey for me was like doing a puzzle. There are many pieces that would eventually come together and form my new lapband lifestyle. Things that have helped me work on my lapband puzzle. - I listened to the doctor and clinic staff - I reviewed the information folder given to me by the clinic on regular basis (weekly while on the various food stages) and then twice a month - So many people that get banded today get their binder and they read through it just after surgery and then put it on the self to collect dust. - I kept my food journal for 4 months without fail - I stopped eating large meals past 7:00 p.m… and now just have an evening snack on occasion. The only exception to my rule is on Friday night when I usually go out for dinner Even before my journey started I started looking for support. I read everything I could find online, read EVERY post on Canadian Lapbanders and asked many questions. Support. Since being banded the word support has never been so important to me. The lapband journey is a unique experience and if the people around you are not banded they try to understand what you’re going through but they really don’t get it. I know the reason I was so successful is because of the support of fellow bandsters. I went to the support group meetings at the clinic, attended the special seminars offered and I was always in the chat room. Over the years I’ve talked on the phone to bandsters from all over, Canada, US and even the UK. Fast forward to today and I still say that support from fellow bandsters is the key for me in maintaining my weight and I still have my monthly weigh-in with my family doctor. Friends that are not banded laugh at me because I take the GO train all over the place just to meet a group of people for coffee. Yes, it’s an expensive cup of coffee but I enjoy connecting with my fellow bandsters as they start their new journey or watch them reach their goal and it’s great to share lapband stories with individuals that are looking into this new lifestyle change. The band was a big investment in my health and as each year goes by the “interest” in my health increases for the better because of the band. People ask me if I think about my lapband everyday… I do (usually when it gurgles) but it has become a part of me. I still enjoy all the foods I did in the past (with two exceptions and NO CARBONATED BEVERAGES) but I never feel like I’m missing out on certain foods or social gatherings because I have the band. To my fellow bandsters thank you so much for being there for me at the various stages throughout my journey and in particular this past year. Yes I may be crazy to travel just about anywhere to meet fellow bandsters for coffee but again I get so much out of these unique support groups but they keep me on track. The past 8 years have been a journey…and it journey that will continue for many years to come. I have enjoyed cooking more and I’ve even exercised more keeping track of my daily steps to Tim Hortons… one day I may even reach 10,000 steps in one day! I need to get some kilometers (or miles) on my new hip). Thank you to everyone that supported me the past 8 years and remember it’s NEVER too late to jump back on the “band-wagon”. I look forward to riding the band-wagon with you all as you reach your goal. Looking forward to seeing many of you at the coffee groups in August and I’ll be starting up a Toronto coffee group again… hopefully in August or September. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

Hi I host several coffee groups in my area and there are a few members that were banded that are 60 + (one was 72) and they have all done very well... 4 individuals have lost 100 + lbs. if you treat the band like a "tool" and follow the guidelines as best you can given to you by your doctor and try and get support from other bandsters (from a live support group)... you will have the best success. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

Hi redhead87 Welcome to "Bandland" !!! I just celebrated my 8th year "Banniversary" My band still gurgles (talks to me) even now... it can happen any time of the day... it doesn't hurt. It started happening the second week of me getting my band. I mentioned it to my doctor. He told me that it can be air passing through the band... sometimes it can be VERY loud. I found it very odd in the beginning but now it's just a gentle reminder that my band is there and doing it's job. Good luck and if you have any questions please feel free to email. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs EM: tomander@bell.net

Hello Canadian Band Buddies For those of you that have not heard CIBO Clinic in Toronto has filed for bankruptcy. I received the following email today from Dr. Chris Cobourn at Smartshape (formerly Surgical Weightloss Centre) and he has asked me to post this message. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs Hi Tom: We had a meeting at the clinic today and we have come up with the following option for CIBO patients. We will offer them the opportunity to join our follow up program which includes: Initial assessment/consultation with Dr. Cobourn either in person or on the phone Counseling with our team of nurses, coaches and dietitians via email, telephone or in person as necessary Band adjustments as necessary Band adjustments can be performed at our facilities in Mississauga or Downtown Toronto, and with our affiliates across the country Radiologic or endoscopic evaluation as necessary 24/7 access to one of our surgeons if there are concerns or worries after hours Access to weekly webinars by our nurses and dietitian Access to Lap Band Connect – an extensive online support forum for Lap Band patients Access to this comprehensive program is offered to CIBO patients at the cost of $1000 per year and can be renewed annually as the patient wishes. We are not able to offer a fee for individual adjustments because our philosophy of care is that the highest quality Lap Band care is more extensive than simple band adjustments. There was a great deal of empathy for the situation of these patients that are not able to access a follow up program that they have paid for. However there needs to be an understanding that there are real costs associated with the delivery of this extensive follow up and we cannot offer this program without additional cost to the patient. We understand that additional costs may be a burden for these patients and have modified or usual access fee for the CIBO patients. It is important to understand that access to the follow up program does not include the cost of any revision surgery that may be necessary. Revision surgery may include port fixation or placement, as well as band repositioning, replacement or removal. We will develop a schedule of costs for these revision procedures. Please feel free to post this information on the Message Forums that you have access to. You know the quality of the follow up that we provide and we think this is a fair and reasonable option for these patients. SWLC is well known for the quality of care we provide and all patients who join our program will have full access to the post op care we provide to our patients. We want to assure the CIBO patients that we are here to help them if they are interested in our program. Dr. Chris Cobourn | Surgeon and Medical Director SmartShape™ Weight Loss Centre Phone: 905.278.8000 | Toll-free: 1.888.278.7952 | Website: smartshape.ca 1413 Hurontario Street Mississauga ON L5G 3H5

Hi I would try and eat a regular Protein for breakfast (eggs, greek yogurt) or steel cut oats and fruit and yogurt. This will help you feel full longer in the morning and also help with your metabolism. I only used Protein shakes for the first week following my surgery. Keep us posted. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

Hi rsumbler If you can try and get to support group in your area and take your family with you in the beginning. I host several monthly coffee groups in my area and we get people out that are not banded or at various stages of the journey. I often see husbands, bf, gf and friends come out to also ask questions. If you have any questions please feel free to email me tomander@bell.net or I also have free long distance and I'd be happy to call you. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

Thank you!

Hello Band Buddies I tried this new recipe today... they were GREAT... I added vanilla extract and for a topping I also used a touch of low calorie syrup. Enjoy!! Tom, Toronto Banded: July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs Ultimate Protein pancakes Ingredients: 6 oz plain Greek yogurt 1 large egg white 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup (about 2/3 scoop) vanilla whey Protein powder 1 tsp baking soda **You can also add in vanilla extract and strawberries Directions: In a bowl, combine the dry ingredients (protein powder, flour, and baking soda), and mix with a fork until well combined. In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients (egg white and yogurt) and mix until well combined. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet, stirring as you go. The batter should become thick. Add in any extras for flavour, and keep mixing until everything is totally combined. Heat a skillet over medium heat and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Drop batter by the spoonful into the pan. Pancakes will expand as they cook, so don’t put them too close together. When little bubbles start to form all throughout the pancake, it’s time to flip it. Flip it a couple of times until it’s thoroughly cooked. Transfer pancakes to a plate, and top with whatever you’d like. They’re very flavourful on their own, but adding a couple tablespoons of syrup make them even better! Makes 6 large pancakes. Nutritional information: Calories: 314 | Carbs: 34g | Fat: 1g | Protein: 43g

Hello Band Buddies One of the Lapband sites I belong to “www.afterband.net” recently had a VERY inspirational message about eating after the lapband. This site has a lot of great information. Remember… if you have fallen off the “band-wagon” whether is been for a few days, weeks or even longer it’s NEVER too late to get back on track. Take the time to read this message… if may help you to take a step in the right direction to getting you back on the “band-wagon”. I love the last line in the message… "Then do it again tomorrow, for it is just the next today." I shared this article with my Lapband coffee Group members (I host 3 groups) and the response was amazing... so many people found the item inspirational. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs Eating After the Lapband - Today is Your Day Today is a new day. Today you have the power to create and inspire change in your relationship with food. Your lap band or gastric bypass surgery is only a tool in meeting your weight loss goals. The power to make it work is in your hands. Really, today is the only day you have such power. Yesterday is gone. Your power over yesterday and what you ate and how much you exercised (or didn’t) has disappeared. Any regrets about yesterday are a waste of your time and emotions. Really, today is the only day you have power over food. Tomorrow is just beyond your finger tips. It has yet to arrive. But you can make tomorrow better by what you do TODAY. So, what will you do about today? You’ve been given the power to free yourself from the bondage of food addictions. You have immeasurable strength today to work with your lap band and not against it. You didn’t go through the pain of weight loss surgery to suffer the denial of you goals. You are stronger than that. And there are plenty of WLS support groups on-line to inspire and help you focus the power within you. Will you throw your hands up in defeat today? No, you will not. Today you are not a victim or slapped down by the victim mentality. Today you have the power over food. Food’s power over you is diminished. Today, you are in control. You know what to do. You know what and how much you should eat. Your lap band surgeons or gastric bypass surgeons gave you nutrition plans and dietary advice or certainly should have. Most do. If you need to re-set the way you eat, you have strength to do that today. Today is the day to follow doctor’s orders. Today you’ve been blessed with tremendous power to eat the way you know you should. Use that power to enjoy and embrace the after lap band diet and meet your goals that much sooner. You can do it, you have a mighty power inside you, and you will use it. Then do it again tomorrow, for it is just the next today. Read More http://afterlapband.net/

I agree with what the others said... PLEASE hang in there... the band does work!!! Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

I'm really confused?!?! First off... what surgeon would promise no scar?!?!?!? Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

Since being banded I've never tracked carbs. I can eat anything in moderation except rice or apple skins.... and no carbonated beverages. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

I also found since being banded and losing weight (and extra skin) I also REALLY feel the cold... especially in my fingers and toes. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

Hi Here's something that I've posted here several times over the years for "new" bandsters that many people have found very helpful. Just to add... following the surgery you may have shoulder pain from the gas used during the surgery... some people get it... some don't .... mine last only 3 days... that was the only pain I had. I found a heating pad REALLY helped along with walking. 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 hard time with “head hunger” in the evenings. I’m now entering my 8th year of being banded and have talked about this here several times 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. 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 three coffee groups for people that are banded. (I host them). These things really keep 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 family doctor and I came up with 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”. --- tomander@bell.net Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs tomander@bell.net

Each person is different. I had 4 fills in total... no defills... I had restriction with each fill until I reached my "sweet spot". Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

I have never been "stuck"... there are just two foods... actually three (no carbonated beverages) that I do not eat. I don't eat rice or apple skins... they don't get stuck they just feel strange going down. I have tried them several times since being banded but they just feel odd. When I eat I take bites the size of my pinky finger nail and I chew... and I MAKE SURE I finish what I have in my mouth before I take my second or third bite. That was the hardest habit to break. A lot of people don't realize (banded or not) that they don't finish what they have in their mouth before they take their second or third bite. Just take it slow and if don't rush going to "normal" food. If your doctor says mushies for weeks stay on them for a week. Back when I was banded I did a 4 week plan. Also, remember each person is different try not to compare yourself to others and don't be afraid to try all foods... yes you still have to "diet" with lapband but you can still enjoy the favourite foods but in moderation and feel satisfied... that's why I love my band so much... I don't feel like I missing out on anything. Hang in there... it does get better!!! Feel free to ask any questions. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs EM: tomander@bell.net

Hi You need to take DEEP breath and slow down... you just had surgery. Your body needs time to heal. The housework can wait... it's not the end of world!!! You had this surgery for you and no one else... you want do the right things now in the beginning so you can be healthy for your family in the future. Just relax and think about how your life is going to change over the next few months and over the next near. PLEASE don't get stressed out about how your house looks or this or that... stress is not good for the lapband. For the first couple of weeks (until you have your fill) just listen to your doctor... well always listen to your doctor... follow your menu plan as best you can and look forward to your new life. If there is a Lapband support group in your area I strongly recommend you go to a meeting... I think you find if VERY helpful. I host 3 coffee groups a month for people that are banded and we had a great time. If you can't get out to a support group maybe your doctor's office can connect you with someone in your area that you can chat with on the phone. I also have free long distance... if you would like to chat on the phone I'd be happy to call you... I chat with many bandsters in Canada and the US on a regular basis. Please feel free to email me if you have any questions. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs EM: tomander@bell.net

I felt "normal" after day three...the only pain I had was in my left shoulder.... hang in there... it will get better!!! It's early days... a month from now you will look back and it will be a distance memory and a year from now you will be so much lighter !!!!!! Just take it one day at a time... and remember each person is different... don't compare yourself to others. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

Lapband coffee Group – Burlington Tuesday, April 29th – 7:00 p.m. Second Cup 901 Brant St Burlington, ON L7R 2J6 (Just West of the Walmart) 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. NOTE: This will be my last coffee group for while... I'm going in for my left hip replace on May 23rd... the group will continue to meet... looking forward to seeing everyone.... Tom If you have any questions before the coffee group please contact: Tom – tomander@bell.net Let’s all “band” together for a cup of coffee!

I thought your response was great. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

Hang in there !!! The end results will be with it... six months from now you will be so thankful and happy. It does get better!!!! Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

Lapband coffee Group – Brampton Monday, April 14th - 7:00 p.m. Second Cup (Located in the Longo’s Plaza) 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 Let’s all “band” together for a cup of coffee!

Lapband Coffee Group – Burlington Tuesday, March 25th – 7:00 p.m. Second Cup 901 Brant St Burlington, ON L7R 2J6 (Just West of the Walmart) 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 Let’s all “band” together for a cup of coffee!