Tomander

I've had 4 fills in total (no defills). I have 7.5 cc in a 10 cc band. My last fill was 6.5 years ago. When I eat I feel full but NEVER stuffed. Pre-band I would eat and I felt really stuffed or until it really hurt sometimes. Now when I eat I feel satisfied and full. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

Hang in there... your on the right track !!! Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

I was self-pay. I went for complete physical 1 month before my surgery with my family doctor and he said I was a "healthy fat person"... for now... it was just a matter of time. I was 39... I've suffered from acid reflux since I was 14. My acid reflux went away 3 days after my surgery... and I didn't have a hernia. My surgery was 1 month before my 40th birthday... it changed my life. If I didn't lose a pound having my acid reflux gone was worth the cost of the surgery. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs tomander@bell.net

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

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

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 to "Bandland" !! Take it one day at a time. Feel free to ask any questions. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

Lapband coffee Group – Brampton Tuesday, September 11th – 7:00 p.m. Second Cup 700 Hurontario Street, Building E, Unit 504 (In the Longo's Plaza) 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 Lyn Take it one day at a time. I have no regrets at all. Don't compare yourself to others. The band can be different from person to person. I can eat ANYTHING except rice, apple skins and no carbonated beverages. I LOVE my band... it changed my life. If you any questions feel free to ask. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs tomander@bell.net

I had a lot of lose skin. I saw 4 plastic surgeons before I picked my doctor. I was told by all the doctors... if you lose 75 + pounds no matter how much exercise you do no cream or exercise will really help. I had 14 lbs of skin removed from my tummy and 8 lbs removed from my chest.. but the end results were WONDERFUL !!! I did put Vitamin E cream on the scars... didn't really make a difference... the scars look great. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs tomander@bell.net

This is a great site for information. 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 can honestly say the only pain I had after surgery was in my left shoulder... it was from the gas they used... it lasted 3 days. A heating pad really helped. Take it one day at a time. If you have any question please feel free to e-mail me. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs tomander@bell.net

Welcome !! Take it one day at a time... ask lots of questions. Listen to your doctor. Make sure review all the material you were given (sample menus, portions, etc.). The band is different with each person. Don't go into this journey saying I'll ever be able to eat this or that ever again. I can eat anything except rice or apple skins... and NO carbonated beverages. The band is a wonderful "tool" and it can change your life. If you have any questions please feel free to e-mail me. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs tomander@bell.n

Hi Kate Welcome !! Take it one day at a time... ask lots of questions. Listen to your doctor. Make sure review all the material you were given (sample menus, portions, etc.). The band is different with each person. Don't go into this journey saying I'll ever be able to eat this or that ever again. I can eat anything except rice or apple skins... and NO carbonated beverages. 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

Well put Mis73. So many people have WLS and work against it and then say it didn't work. Take it one day at a time. Tom, Toronto Banded July 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

I love my band. I know several people that have had GB and have put the weight back on and have had many side effects. Two people in my coffee group have now gone with the band. I have no regrets at all... I can eat anything except rice, apple skins and no carbonated beverages. Best part besides weight loss is that my acid reflux went away 3 days after I got my band. I started with a 54" waist...now 32". Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

Lapband coffee Group – Burlington Wednesday, August 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. 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! FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER WE WILL BE MEETING THE LAST WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH INSTEAD OF TUESDAY.

Lapband coffee Group – Burlington Wednesday, August 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. 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!

Great story !! Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

I have no issues with dark or white meat. I'm always snacking on chunks of cold turkey that I keep in the fridge. I make a great dip with greek yogurt. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

Wednesday, August 15th – 7:00 p.m. Williams coffee Pub 1650 Victoria Street East Whitby, ON (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.co...ps-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!

Some of the people in my coffee group have experienced this. Some suggestions... try not eating past 7:00 p.m. Drink a large glass of Water 2 hours before you go to bed. (Helps flush out the band. I suffered from acid reflux since I was 14. I was 39 when I was banded. My acid reflux went away 3 days after I was banded.... I lived on Tums and was on two prescription meds. I have not had ANY acid reflux in over 6 years. You may also want to try a tiny defil. I hope you get some relief. Good luck Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

I've been banded 6 years. The only thing my doctor said was not carbonated beverages... beer or Pop (soda). There was no restriction on alcohol. I was never much of a drinker pre-band. If it was REALLY hot day I would sometimes like a beer in a chilled mug... but i don't miss it at all. Now every so often I'll have a Baileys and coffee. I find alcohol hits me much faster. While I was losing I didn't go off my menu plan... (no extra treats) for basically 6 months... I was self pay so I really wanted to stick to my menu plan. Do the best you can and take it one day at a time. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs