Tomander

Welcome to you both !! I’m going into my 7th 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: 156 lbs tomander@bell.net

My doctor said straws were ok. I've used straws since hours after my surgery. I've had no issues at all. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

What your feeling is VERY normal. It will get better... MUCH better... just give it a few more days... walking will help. 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 30 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

I would talk to you doctor also.. you may need just a tiny fill also I would keep a food journal and see if you can see a nutritionist You may also find it help to attend a support group meeting if you have access to one. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

Welcome to "Bandland"!!! Hang in there... some people do feel restriction during the liquid stage... I did... you might once you start full fluids or mushies... don't get too stressed. It does get better. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

Hang in there!!! If you can try and keep a food journal. I still eat out.. but when I was first banded I followed the menu plan given to me by my clinic and really try to stick to it. You will have the BEST results if your able to plan your meals and if you have access to a support group I recommend you try to connect with other bandsters. Please feel free to email me if you have any questions. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs tomander@bell.net

Lapband coffee Group - Durham Wednesday, April 17th – 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!

My stomach still girggles and I'm 7 years out. I never know when it's going to happen... it can be before I eat or several hours after I eat or during the night. It can be VERY loud sometimes. For me it's just a reminder that my band is working. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

Hi Stephanie... Welcome ! I’m going into my 7th 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: 156 lbs tomander@bell.net

I have no regrets at all about getting the lapband it changed my life. The best part besides losing weight is that my acid reflux went away 3 days after I got my lapband. I suffered from AR since I was 14. I only wish I had done in sooner !! Please feel free to me email me if you have any questions. 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: 156 lbs tomander@bell.net

Hi I had an extended Tummy Tuck. I worn my binder (girdle) for 3 months. I found I didn't have much of an appetite following the surgery. I found when I had the binder on it was very restricting... but the end results were worth it. I also had 4 drains in. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

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

Congratulations Josie!! It's wonderful to see another long time bandster be so successful. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

Great... I'll look for your email... what's your name... just so I can look for in it in my "inbox". Thanks!! Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs tomander@bell.net

Congratulations mugs!! I've met several people from SWLC that have come out to my coffee groups and they were very pleased with Dr. Cobourn and the follow up care they received. Dr. Cobourn as also been out to several of my coffee group to give a great presentation on how the band works. Where are you located? If you have any questions or would like to chat on the phone I'd be happy to chat with you... I have free long distance. Please feel free to email me. I have some information I can email you. tomander@bell.net Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

Welcome to "Bandland". Each person is different. I actually felt full on liquids. Don't worry... remember your healing and you haven't had a fill yet. Take it one day at a time. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

Welcome to "Bandland". Ask lots of questions!! Take it one day at a time. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

Lapband coffee Group – Brampton Monday, April 8th – 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!

I think we all felt that way. We've tried all the diets. Any time of WLS is usually the final end of the road. Look at it a fresh start to a new chapter in your life. This is a great site for information. Ask lots of questions... take it one day a time. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to email me. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs tomander@bell.net

I think we all felt the same way... hang in there it does get better !!!! This is a WONDERFUL place for support. Also if you have access to a support group in your area I strongly suggest you try and go to a meeting. I host 3 coffee groups a month. They keep me motivated and on track. I also talk to several people on the phone both in Canada and the US every month and offer support. Did you take before pictures and your measurements? Welcome to "Bandland" looking forward to hearing about your progress. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

I still gurgle after 7 years... I never know when it's going to happen. I've had it happen at various times of the day and night.... sometimes it's VERY loud. For me it's just my band telling me "Hey... I"m here and I'm working". Don't laugh (ok I know people you will laugh) but a few years ago I recored my gurgling using the mic. on my webcam and when I played in back it sound like an earthquake... and yes I have a lot of spare time on my hands !!! Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

I WILL NEVER GIVE UP MY TIMMY'S !!! with cream !! But... I kept a food journal and recored everything (even my Timmy's ) Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

I still drink Tim Horton's coffee with 3 creams and sweetner and when at home I use French vanilla Int'. That's really one of my only "treats". I've been doing that since week one of being banded and still had GREAT results. I drink 2 medium coffees a day... or sometimes 1 medium and a small. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss; 156 lbs

Excellent point Maddy.. and if there is even a slight chance that carbonation can cause damage to the band... is it worth it ?? Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs