Tomander

I told everyone. I figured the lapband is for life and I figured eventually people would find out. I have no regrets at all. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

I just past my 7th year "Banniversary". I have had no regrets at all about getting the lapband. It it's a great tool. It changed my life. I started with a 54" waist... now a 30" waist. If you would like to email me to ask question or if you would like to chat on the phone I'd be happy to call you... I have free long distance and would be happy answer any questions you have. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs EM: tomander@bell.net

If you haven't kept a food journal I would TRY and keep one for a month... then try and review it with a nutritionist or your clinic. I would try to focus more on your sold Proteins.... they are better for your metabolism. While I was losing (and still do) I kept cubes of cold turkey in the fridge as a snack and ate them with a VERY tiny amount of low cal dip that I make (I've posted the recipe here several times). I only used Protein shakes for the 2 weeks following my surgery. Hang in there... you can get back on track. I definitely think a nutritionist could help. Do you have access to a support group? Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

That's perfectly normal for some people. I bruised a lot !! Same with incision as long as they are kept clean and don't smell bad Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

I found a heating pad really helped with left shoulder pain... my only lasted for 3 days. That's the only pain I had. Walking also helped. You will love Dr. C. He has been a guest speaker an several of my coffee groups. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

I found a heating pad really helped with the shoulder pain... that's the only pain I had... walking also helped. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

Lapband coffee Group – Brampton Monday, August 12th – 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!

Hi... I love the coffee groups...they are a great way to get support from other bandsters at various stages of the journey. You should start one in NY ! Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

I just past my 7th year Banniversary... out of the 7 days of the week I may be tight 3 of 7 mornings. I usually drink a few sips of something warm then wait 10 minutes then eat my breakfast. I can go 3 to 4 week and and have no tight mornings at all... again each person is different. My doctor said this normal for me. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

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 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 family doctor 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

Welcome to "Bandland!" Were you given a pre-op plan to follow? Week 1 - Clear fluids Week 2 - Full fluids Week 3 - Mushie foods Week 4 - Solid to "Normal" foods This is a great site for information. If you can try to find a support group in your area. If you have any question please feel free to e-mail me. I also have free long distance and would be happy to chat with you on the phone. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs tomander@bell.net

I also buy the little servings... they may cost a bit more but they are the perfect "band size" for me. I've found them in a 4 pack... works out great. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

Hi... this is a great place for information. The band was the best thing I ever did for me. I have no regrets at all. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

I still eat out with the band but it's always in the back of my mind take tiny bites and MAKE SURE I finish what I have in mouth before I take my second or third bite. I've had no issues. Do you have access to a support group? You might find it helpful. I still host and attend monthly support groups... keeps me motivated and on track. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

Joel I LOVE this point in your post... couldn't agree more. "To all the nay sayers that come on here and bash the band, and I have seen plenty of them. It is what YOU and a band make of it. Nothing more. Nothing less." Congratulations on your success. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

Hi James This is a great place for information. I have no regrets at all about getting my lapband. It was the best thing I ever did. I started with a 54" waist now... 30" waist. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss; 160 lbs

I thought about it ! Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

I'm going into my 8th year of being a bandster... and just yesterday while having coffee with a friend my band started "taking" to me. I wasn't hungry... it last for about 3 minutes. My band can gurgle at any time... and it's VERY loud. I've mentioned it to my doctor and he said that it is nothing to worry about that it could be air.,. and it very common. It's does hurt. For me it's just a reminder that my band is still doing it's job. Now... if it stops gurgling I might start to worry Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

I kept 1 pair of pants and 1 dress shirt... I recommend all new Bandsters take their measurements and keep 1 pair of pants. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss; 160 lbs

I lost weight is my belly, "manboobie", face and funny enough in my "back-boobs"... I've lost weight in the past many times but never in my upper back ! I found the inches came off really fast with the lapband. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

Try and find a support group in your area. It will really be beneficial to you! Tom,Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

Try and get to the support group. I host 3 coffee groups a month. It's great to connect with other Bandsters. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

Just remember your having this surgery for YOU... not for your daughter or anyone else. Do you have access to a support group after the surgery... if not maybe start a coffee group. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

You doing great! I've heard some people feel nauseated after they eat.. it's usually because they eat too fast. Try and take tiny bites. It's sound like your on the right track. Do you have access to a support group? I still go to a monthly support group... I host 3 coffee groups a month.. find them very helpful. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

I was told the same thing.. if you lose 70 lbs or more.. you will more than likely have to have plastic surgery to remove lose skin... no amount of exercise will help. I saw 4 plastic surgeons before I picked my doctor. I've lost 160 lbs. I had an extended tummy tuck and had 16 lbs of skin removed and 8 lbs removed from my chest. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss; 160 lbs