Tomander

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

Hi Shelley I'm also in my 7th year of being a bandster. Having lapband surgery was the best thing I ever did for me... second best thing... having the tummy tuck to remove the extra skin - 16 lbs from the tummy 8 lbs from my chest. Besides the weight loss the best benefit for me was that my acid reflux went away 3 days after I was banded... and I didn't have a hernia. I suffered from AR since I was 14... I had my lapband surgery a month before my 40th birthday. I was self-pay and if the doctor told me I would only lose a few pounds but my acid reflux would go away I would have the surgery in a heartbeat!!. I started with a 54" waist and yesterday I bought a size 30" pair of slim fit Levi jeans !!! I have no regrets at all about the surgery... with the band I'm not missing out on anything... with the exception of rice and apple skins and no carbonated beverages... I only wish I had done it sooner. I still weigh in every month with my family doctor and I host 3 lapband coffee groups... this keeps me motivated and on track. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

PLEASE don't rush it... try to take it one day at a time... remember you are in the healing stage. My doctor gave me a 4 stage Program to follow. 1 week Clear liquids 1 week Full fluids 1 week Mushie foods 1 week Solid foods then work into "Normal" foods I was given a folder with sample menus to follow at each stage... when I started the "Normal" stage I followed the Menu plan to the letter and only switched out the fish with turkey because I don't eat fish... planned all my meals for the week and cooked on Sunday for the week... it really helped in my journey... I was self-pay and was afraid to stray off the menu... I figured the doctor said if I followed the menu the best I could I would have the best results... and I did. I still cook on Sunday for the week. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

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

Hi 50for50...sorry I didn't see your post... several people have responded to my email since I sent it out to my group and have recommend the App you mentioned and also the App "Footsteps - Pedometer" I also received a great email from someone today saying they went out and bought a Pedometer and weights I recommended... it's so great to see people getting motivated!!! Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

I'm not sure because because I use my iPod to keep track of my steps. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

Hello Band Buddies At a recent coffee group we were talking about walking. "They" recommend you walk 10,000 steps a day. Now I'm not sure who "They" are but there are many doctors that recommend that 10,000 steps per day is the target number of steps. I came across this GREAT website that has information for beginners that are interested in increasing their daily steps. Now I'm not saying everyone get out and walk 10,000 steps everyday but if you have a "Smartphone" with an App on it that can track your steps get it and try... or if you have an iPod did you know that there is a Pedometer on the iPod... I didn't?!?! You can also buy inexpensive Pedometers from some dollar stores or drug stores or Walmart. If you don't a Smartphone or Pedometer then start by walking for 10 minutes each day... then 15 minutes the next day then try to increase it when your ready. Now that the warmer weather is here I've started walking to Timmy's twice a day. I set my Pedometer and off I go. Now I don't get to 10,000 steps in each day but I do get close to 6,800... depending on the day. I found the Pedometer motivates me. (I walk with a cane most days... I have aches and pains on many days... but when I have a "good" day and don't make excuses for not going for a walk I really enjoy it.) I'm issuing a challenge band buddies... for the Summer... "Step out on the town!" If you keep a food journal or use a food App... keep a daily log of how many steps you take. Try to increase your daily steps by 20... I think you'll be surprised how many steps you take... even if it's just around the house... down the end of the driveway or taking Lassie for a walk. What I did as a bonus to help me tone on my walks (because I'm so muscular LOL)... I bought these great weights from Canadian Tire that are only 1 lbs each and they fasten with velcro. I put one on each wrist and ankle before I head out to Timmy's. This gives me a little bit of resistance but are not too heavy. I also uses the weighs to do leg and arms lifts when I sit in a chair. Check out the website and remember EVERYTHING IN MODERATION and if you have any doubts about starting a walking program check with your family doctor or healthcare provider if your feeling walking may be too much for you. And... if anyone is interested here's the weights I use... this store is located in Canada but I'm sure you can find them in the US. http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/5/SportsRec/4/FitnessWellness/WeightsAccessories/PRD~0840848P/Tempo+Neoprene+Weights%2C+2x1-lbs.jsp?locale=en Step... 1, 2, 3.... Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs Website: http://www.thewalkingsite.com/10000steps.html 10,000 STEPS A DAY "10,000 steps a day - pedometer walking program, walking routine, beginning walking, beginner walker" How many steps do you walk each day? Maybe you have heard the recent guidelines about walking 10,000 steps per day. How far is 10,000 steps anyway? The average person's stride length is approximately 2.5 feet long. That means it takes just over 2,000 steps to walk one mile, and 10,000 steps is close to 5 miles. A sedentary person may only average 1,000 to 3,000 steps a day. For these people adding steps has many health benefits. I have outlined the basic 10,000 steps program, but also added a commentary below. A reasonable goal for most people is to increase average daily steps each week by 500 per day until you can easily average 10,000 per day.Example: If you currently average 3000 steps each day, your goal for week one is 3500 each day. Your week 2 goal is 4000 each day. Continue to increase each week and you should be averaging 10,000 steps by the end of 14 weeks. Wearing a pedometer is an easy way to track your steps each day. Start by wearing the pedometer every day for one week. Put it on when you get up in the morning and wear it until bed time. Record your daily steps in a log or notebook. By the end of the week you will know your average daily steps. You might be surprised how many (or how few) steps you get in each day. There are many ways to increase your daily steps. Use your imagination and come up with your own list: Take a walk with your spouse, child, or friend Walk the dog Use the stairs instead of the elevator Park farther from the store Better yet, walk to the store Get up to change the channel Window shop Plan a walking meeting Walk over to visit a neighbor Get outside to walk around the garden or do a little weeding Continue to track your daily steps and/or mileage; and keep notes on how you feel, how your body is improving, or other changes you are making to improve your health. If you are in very poor physical condition or at any point you feel that you are progressing too rapidly slow down a bit and try smaller increases. If you have any health concerns seek your physician's advice prior to starting or changing your exercise routine. Notice: We have outlined the standard 10,000 step program because so many people ask about it. This is a good program to help get people motivated, or to get sedentary people moving. It is however our recommendation that most individuals fit 30 to 60 minutes of dedicated walking (or other exercise) into their routine at least 3 to 4 days a week. You can start with as little as ten minutes per day and gradually increase your walking routine.

Hi We get anywhere from 6 to 22 or more people.... depending on the night and the time of year. It's great. We get people at all stages of the lapband journey or people looking into the procedure. We exchange recipes and ideas and offer peer support to each other and try to offer help to new bandsters. It's a great way to stay motivated. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

Lapband coffee Group – Burlington Tuesday, May 28th – 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!

I was never a Water drinker before WLS. I only drink flavoured water. I like Nestle Pure Splash Orange or Peach. I drink 4 bottles per day. 500 mL each. I also drink 2 coffees per day and 1 tea (all medium size). In the warmer weather I drink maybe 2 extra water. I've had no issues at all and it works for me and my weight loss has been great. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

Gurgling can be "normal" for many people. I still have it and I'm in my 7th year. I never know when it's going to happen and sometime it's VERY loud. For me it's just my band talking to me and saying... "hey... I'm hear and I'm working". I can eat normal food... with no issues (except rice and apples skins) and no carbonated beverages... I know I'm not too tight. My doctor just said it's part of being a "bandster". Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

Lapband coffee Group - Durham Wednesday, May 22nd – 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 Let’s all “band” together for a cup of coffee! Quote MultiQuote Edit

Congratulations!!! Great way to head into the summer months. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

Do the best you can. No one is perfect. I don't know of anyone that has had their surgery cancelled because they have not followed the pre-op diet to the letter. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

You are only HUMAN !!! Do the best you can. Take it one day at a time and yes tomorrow is a NEW day. Hang in there !!! Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

Holly did your doctor/Clinic not give you a binder or "package" with information with sample menus to follow and guidelines? Each doctor is different but most doctors have people do Post-op in various stages. Keep a food journal and if you have access to a nutritionist maybe book an appointment with them to review your journal with them... if you don't have access to one another great option is joining a support group. I host 3 monthly coffee groups for people that are banded and we get people out at all stages... it's a great way to learn information. For me support from other "bandsters" play a big key to helping me lose my weight and also in maintaining my weight. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

Your taking a step in the right direction!!! Great !!! Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

Congratulations !!! Take it one day at time.... ask lots of questions. If you haven't already done it... take a before picture and your measurements. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

It does seem odd that your doctor hasn't ordered any tests... like a fluoroscope. Can you get a second opinion? Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

Lapband coffee Group & Information Session – Mississauga Thursday, May 16th 7:00 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30 p.m.) Mississauga Seniors’ Centre 1389 Cawthra Road Mississauga 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. Special Announcement Attending will be guest speaker Dr. Chris Cobourn who will present “How the Lapband Works” followed by a Q & A session. NOTE: Space is limited to 25 seats please e-mail Tom if you would like to attend or if you have any questions. Please contact Tom to have your name put on the attendance list. tomander@bell.net Quote MultiQuote

I found a heating pad (or the bag you put i the microwave) really helped with the gas and the left shoulder pain. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

17 lbs first month... I didn't have to do a pre-op diet. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

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

Lapband coffee Group - Durham Wednesday, May 22nd – 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 Let’s all “band” together for a cup of coffee!

When I was on week 2 I was on full fluids. My surgeon gave me the following guidelines to follow: Week 1 - Clear Fluids Week 2 - Full Fluids Week 3 - Mushie / pureed foods Weed 4 - "Normal" Solid foods I would check with your surgeon's office to see if they have a sample menu you can follow. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss; 156 lbs