Tomander

I have spinabidfa and hydrocephalus and also have a compromised immune systems. My VP shunt is made of a similar material as the lapband and I have had no issues of rejection. I have had my shunt since was 3 months old. (now 45) I have had it revised or replace but not because of rejection. I've also had 8 spinal fusion and have a lot of hardware in my spine with no issues at all. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

I picked the band because of the success rate and the fact that the procedure is simple and it is reversible. If I had to do it again I would. I was self-pay and have no regrets at all. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

I remember thinking the third day after my surgery... "what have I done"... then I realized my acid reflux was gone. I had suffered from acid reflux since I was 14 and it went away soon after I was banded. Take it one day at a time... it does get better. For me I still get support from other bandsters... I meet a group for coffee every month... and I still get weighed in every month with my family doctor. This keeps me motivated and helps me stay on track and at goal. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 140 lbs

For me head hunger was some I really had a hard time with... especially in the evening after 7:00 p.m. My doctor helped by suggesting an "Egg Timer Distraction Trick"... it REALLY" helped me for the first 3 months and I have told many, many new bandsters and I can't tell you how many people have come up to me at my coffee groups and thanked me for pass along this trick. It's kind of lengthy to post... if anyone would like a copy of it please feel free to e-mail me and in the subject line just put Lapband - Egg Timer Distraction Trick. The document is in .PDF format. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: (now 156 lbs)

This is VERY normal. I had the same thing. I host a monthly lapband coffee group and several of our "bandsters" had the same issue. It usually settles down. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 140 lbs

Lapband coffee Group – Brampton Tuesday, April 10th – 7:00 p.m. Second Cup 74 Quarry Edge Drive, Brampton, ON Hwy 10 & Bovaird (Located in the Walmart plaza) 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!

Lapband coffee Group – Burlington Tuesday, March 27th – 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!

Good luck with your surgery. Take it one day at a time. I recommend you take a before picture and your measurements. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 140 lbs

I drank low sodium V8 juice when I was on the full Fluid stage... not every day... just to add variety. I found it was a nice treat and it kept me full. My doctor said this was ok but not everyday. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

Congratulations on your success! It's amazing how fast the time goes by. I find maintenance with the band fairly fairly easy. I don't know what I would have done with out my band. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

Lapband coffee Group - Durham Wednesday, March 21st – 7:00 p.m. Williams Coffee Pub 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 You can also check out: http://www.meetup.com/Lapband-Coffee-Groups-Toronto-GTA/ Let’s all “band” together for a cup of coffee!

Hello Alex My name is Tom Anderson. My screen name is Tomander. I am an active member on Lapbandtalk.com I was banded on July 6 06 in Toronto and have lost 140 lbs. I see you have launched the App for iPad. The App features look GREAT. I have a BlackBerry PlayBook and can now access Lapbandtalk.com... I just tried it... I couldn't access it before...so that's great. Are there any plans to develop an App for the PlayBook? Thank you again for the great support Lapbandtalk offers. I still get so much from it's members. Looking forward to accessing the site from my home and hopefully with my PlayBook when I'm traveling. Thanks !! Tom Anderson, Toronto

Lapband coffee Group - Durham Wednesday, February, 15h – 7:00 p.m. Williams Coffee Pub 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@rogers.com Please also check out the new Lapband Support Group: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/LapbandGTA/ Let’s all “band” together for a cup of coffee!

How are you doing now Newbie? Have you talked to a dietitian ? Are you keeping a food journal? I meet a group of "bandsters" once a month for coffee it's a great way to get support and information from others. Good luck. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 140 lbs

Lapband coffee Group – Toronto Saturday, February 11, 2012 - 11:00 a.m. Timothy's Coffee 425 Bloor St. E. Toronto, ON Just North of Sherbourne Subway Station at Bloor St. 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@rogers.com Let’s all “band” together for a cup of coffee! http://www.meetup.com/Lapband-Coffee-Groups-Toronto-GTA

I didn't have to do the pre-op diet I was self pay. Try and stick with it. I have no regrets at all about getting my band. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 140 lbs.

I didn't have to do the pre-op diet but I also wanted to prepare myself before the surgery. I stopped drinking diet pop a week before surgery also stopped eating large meals past 7:00 p.m. I found theses changes really helped. Good luck with your surgery. This is a great place for information. Tom, Toronto Banded: July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 140 lbs

Lapband coffee Group – Burlington, Ontario Tuesday, January 31st – 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@rogers.com Let’s all “band” together for a cup of coffee! Also check out: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/LapbandGTA/Lapband'>http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/LapbandGTA/Lapband Coffee Group – Burlington Tuesday, January 31st – 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@rogers.com Let’s all “band” together for a cup of coffee! Also check out: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/LapbandGTA/

Lapband coffee Group - Durham Wednesday, January 18h – 7:00 p.m. Williams Coffee Pub 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@rogers.com Please also check out the new Lapband Support Group: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/LapbandGTA/ Let’s all “band” together for a cup of coffee!

Lapband coffee Group – Toronto Saturday, January 140th - – 11:00 a.m. Timothy's Coffee 425 Bloor St. E. Toronto, ON Just North of Sherbourne Subway Station at Bloor St. 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@rogers.com Let’s all “band” together for a cup of coffee! http://www.meetup.com/Lapband-Coffee-Groups-Toronto-GTA also feel free to check out http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/LapbandGTA/

Lapband coffee Groups scheduled in January, 2012 Toronto - Sat. January 14th Durham - Wed. January 18th Burlington - Tues. January 31 Times and locations to be announced closer to the dates. Richmond Hill Please note the Richmond HIll Coffee Group will start up again when the York Transsit strike is over and the weather is a little warmer. (Note: My ride that normally picks me up at the GO Station is away for the winter). 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@rogers.com Let's all "band" together for a cup of coffee! Also check out: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/LapbandGTA/

Lapband coffee Group - Durham Wednesday, December 14h – 7:00 p.m. Williams Coffee Pub 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@rogers.com Please also check out the new Lapband Meetup Group: http://www.meetup.com/Lapband-Coffee-Groups-Toronto-GTA/ Let’s all “band” together for a cup of coffee!

Lapband coffee Group - Durham Wednesday, December 14h – 7:00 p.m. Williams Coffee Pub 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@rogers.com Please also check out the new Lapband Meetup Group: http://www.meetup.com/Lapband-Coffee-Groups-Toronto-GTA/ Let’s all “band” together for a cup of coffee!

Lapband coffee Group – Burlington Tuesday, November 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@rogers.com Let’s all “band” together for a cup of coffee!

Lapband coffee Group – Toronto Saturday, November 19th - – 11:00 a.m. Timothy's Coffee 425 Bloor St. E. Toronto, ON Just North of Sherbourne Subway Station at Bloor St. I had a lot a great feed back from people that attended the National Women's Show this past weekend. Looking forward to seeing some new and some familiar faces on Saturday. Thank you to the group that contacted me about but the CD and the buttons. Please remember 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@rogers.com Let’s all “band” together for a cup of coffee!