CoachCher

**Quick Update** The room rate has been extended until February 27, 2009 We have a block of rooms set at $139.00 per night, be sure to book by the 27th in order to receive the discount. Looking forward to meeting you there!!

**Quick Update** The room rate has been extended until February 27, 2009 We have a block of rooms set at $139.00 per night, be sure to book by the 27th in order to receive the discount. Looking forward to meeting you there!!

Hey Trubleu, The first step is to admit your short comings, you have done that. Now you know what is happening it's up to you to get on the bandwagon. Keep telling yourself all the reasons you had this surgery and go back to the basics. That's the great thing about the band it's there when you are ready and it sounds like you ready to commit to your journey. I wish you the best of luck, let me know how I can help you.

Hi Eficka, It sounds as if you have what we call in Coaching "Blocks" something is blocking you from being successful. I hear this from my clients all the time, they "Stuff" their feelings. Instead of stuffing your feelings, really feel what you feel. It's okay to get mad, angry, or sad. Go with the moment and try to figure out why you are feeling what you are feeling, then move on. Don't hold onto these feelings, it's very destructive as you can see. As far is the fill goes that happens to each one of us, however that one time of being too tight doesn't mean it will be that way the next time. It's a process and you have to go through the process. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. I offer 30 minute complimentary Coaching sessions, that might help you as well. I wish you the best of luck, you can turn this around I believe in you.

Please join me as I welcome Michelle Rojo- successful post-op. Michelle is going to share with us the mind set she had when she embarked on this journey and how she successfully lost 114 pounds in her first year. Michelle is 33, certified in nutrition and weight loss management. Michelle is the on site store manager of Bariatric Eating a nutrition store that specializes in products for WLS patients. Michelle enjoys coaching her daughters softball team and working out at the gym (something she dreaded for 20+ years) Her goals are to continue to be successful with her band, educate and inspire those that are looking into lap band, and to become a healthy fit person. Don't miss this inspirational story of courage, hope, and success! Date: 02/16/09 Time: 6:00 pm CST Where: "The Band Banter" Talk Show The show is interactive so be sure to join us in the chatroom to ask our guest questions or to hear from other bandsters. I hope to "Hear" you there!!

Hi Atta, Keep in mind we had surgery on our stomachs not our brains. I tell the surgeons I have on "The Band Banter" Talk Show all the time, can you guys figure out how to place a band on our brain instead of our stomach. It's not our stomachs that get us in trouble it's our brains. I'll let ya'll know when the Brain-Band is available :ohmy:)

Hi Linda, You have something there that is blocking you; it's not uncommon to not know what it is. You might to journal when you reach for junk food to see if you can find the trigger that is causing you to make unhealthy choices. Just something to think about.

Hi Carrie, The best thing to do is come clean with your surgeon. Let him know you got off the bandwagon but you are ready to commit to the process again. Junk food will get each one of us in trouble. I don't exclude it from my life, I plan for it. I know it's not realistic to think I'm never going to eat junk food again. When you plan for it, it's easier to avoid it everyday.

Hi Twirl, You have taken the first step by recognizing what you are doing. It's a learned skill to not drink with your meals, you can do it. Take it one meal at a time and tell yourself you are not going to drink with this meal. You can do this, it's not difficult I promise.

I'm so excited to report LapBand Talk made the news on the WLS Channel. Check out the coverage at Weight Loss Surgery News - February 6, 2009 |Weight Loss Surgery Channel Be sure to leave a comment in the comment section about the report.

Hi Anna, Ok take a deep breath in and out, okay much better. You have not stretched your pouch; you just have not reached your proper restriction level. With the band it's a process it doesn't happen overnight. This is the part of the journey everyone hates. Until you actually reach your sweet spot you should be watching what you eat and how much you eat. Once you reach proper restriction the band will stop you. However if you eat processed foods, or soft foods the band will "NOT" stop you. The more processed the food is, the easier it is to eat with the band. Your band has not moved and I'm sure it is properly placed. The first 6-8 weeks is not about weight loss as much as it is learning how to eat with your new tool. I hope this helps. Email me anytime if you have questions.

Great Article!! It's so true you still have the same feelings after you lose the weight. I know I have the mind of a obese person even though I have lost most of my weight. I don't look in the mirror and see a obese person but my thoughts are those of a obese person. I believe I will always feel/know I have a inner obese person inside of me. Again Thanks for sharing your very candid article with us.

Hey Falloutgal, You make a great point! It's not just us that sabotage ourselves, the ones we surround ourselves with can contribute as well. I'm glad you realize you don't need the negative energy in your life, purge it honey. Make a plan and get to getting :thumbup:

Hi Cannis, Excuses is what got us to where we are. You are so worthy and deserving of success. Dust yourself off and get back on that bandwagon. I believe in you, You can do it!!

This is the real deal guys. Dr. Vuong has created a very special giveaway, check out his website for more information. More From My Band

Hi Barb, I'm glad you made it through your experience. The band can be very frustrating at times but if you listen to your body you will learn what it needs and how it reacts. Take your time getting back to your restriction level. Learn how to stop yourself on your own without the assistance of the band. This will make for a happier, healthier band journey. Once you reach your proper restriction level you will be in control and not so dependent on your band. Keep in mind this is a 75/25 ratio 75% is you and 25% is the band, once you can wrap your brain around that you should see results like no other.

Hey Nobody's Girl! We all love food and eating that's what led us to the OR. Ask yourself is food and eating more important than being healthy. I still eat my favorite foods, I just had to adjust my diet to allow for this. I follow the 6/1 rule. For six days I eat well then on the the 7th day I eat what I want with no guilt or regrets. Your right drinking with your meals will sabotage your efforts in a heart beat. Remind yourself of all the reasons you had the surgery to begin with and then make a plan to get back on the band wagon. You can do this, you are worthy of success!! Let me know if there is anything I can do to help.

I hear this from my clients all the time, they are "Self Sabotaging" themselves and don't know why. I know I was guilty of doing this in year two and didn’t even realize I was doing it. For me I fell into a comfort zone, I liked the new clothes I was wearing, my new found self assured attitude, and my life focus had shifted. I believe we all have different reasons as to why we sabotage our weight loss efforts. Being successful brings a whole new “Spotlight” on us and that scares the hell out of us. With success brings responsibility, commitment, and life change. Who wants to take all of that on, I know I didn’t. Or we are afraid of the new found attention we are going to receive; attention from the opposite sex, our boss will have higher expectations from us, our friends and family want more from us. We can make excuses all day long as to why we do what we do, bottom line is you signed up for a “Life Changing” surgery. Are you going to continue to make excuses or are you going to embrace the life you signed up for and commit to the change? If you want to continue to make excuses then I’m sure you have heard the old saying “If you continue to do what you have always done, expect to receive the same results”. Nothing is going to change until you are ready to change. If you have agreed to commit to change then there are some things you can start doing today to help ensure you achieve success like never before. 1. Pre-Surgery- Remember back to your pre-surgery week, you were ready to take on the world. Bring that sense of excitement back into your life and watch yourself soar. 2. Remove unrealistic goals- Dr. Vuong says it best “Don’t commit to run the Boston Marathon if you don’t even own a pair of running shoes” You don’t have to take on the world in a day. Set realistic goals for yourself, write those goals down and follow through. 3. The Buddy System- Let others help you; you don’t have to take this journey alone. We need to be accountable to someone, find someone who is taking the same journey you are. Commit your goals to them and allow them to do the same. When we have others accountable to us, it’s so much easier to be accountable to ourselves. 4. Food- Create a food diary and keep track what you are eating. Dr. Terry Simpson has a great tip: Using your cell phone take pictures of everything you eat throughout the day, take a picture of your meal before you eat it then another after your done. This will give you clarity as to what you are really consuming throughout the day. 5. Exercise- If you have not already committed to an exercise program, and then you are not going to achieve the results you want from your “WLS” journey. Find something you love and yes I mean love. If you choose an exercise program you dread, guess what is going to happen, you are going to make excuses as to why you can’t do it. By finding something you love you will be excited to do it. 6. Self Care- We always want to take care of everyone else first, we always put ourselves on the back burner. Honestly would you treat your children, friends and family the way you treat yourself? I’m guessing no. We want to give our best to our children, friends and family. But guess what by placing ourselves on the back burner we are not giving them our best. Take some time to enjoy the things you like to do. Go to the movies with your girlfriends, go play a round of golf, reconnect with an old hobby, just find something that gives back to you. 7. Purge the negative- If you have something or someone who is bringing negative energy into your life; purge it. We have so much going on in our lives we don’t need any negative outsiders bringing us down. Negativity just drains you and sucks up your energy, make a decision it’s going to stop. 8. Celebrate the positive- Look at all you have accomplished to date. You have made changes, you’ve lost weight, went down a size or two or three. Remember how good you felt when you accomplished small milestones; think how good you are going to feel when you accomplish big milestones. 9. Follow up- If it has been a while since you have seen your surgeon, make an appointment. Don’t give me the excuse he/she is going to yell at you because you have gained weight. Go in with the mind set you are coming clean and you are ready to commit to the process. Your surgeon works for you, you are paying them to “Care” for you so go get the care you need. 10. Coaching- If you still think this overwhelming contact me to set up a complimentary coaching session. I know it can be overwhelming; but with a game plan in place you can turn this around. I can help you find out what is blocking you from the success you need and deserve.

Sometime TODAY the Premier Espisode of Melting Mama's Reality Bites will launch on the Weight Loss Surgery Channel **WARNING - This show is pre-caffeinated*** Wind her up and watch her GO!! With more energy than the Battery Bunny, Grouchier than Oscar in the garbage can, and funnier than any stand-up comic, "Melting Mama" gives viewers the straight talk on life after weight loss surgery -- the good, the bad and the wrinkly! Tune in TODAY, and find out why Beth Sheldon-Badore is simply the QUEEN of the WLS Blogosphere! WHAT TIME..you ask...keep checking, The First to comment on her show after the launch will win a $100 gift card, so KEEP CHECKING IN. In the meantime watch today's 90 Seconds to Success "Moving Toward Honesty"

**Special Show** Please join me as I welcome Dr. Warren Huberman psychologist as we discuss "Self Sabotage" and how to avoid it. Date: 02/09/2009 Time: 1:00 pm CST Where: Health internet radio shows and Success internet radio by "The Band Banter" Talk Show | BlogTalkRadio Dr. Huberman post articles in the lapband talk magazine, be sure to stop by today if you get a chance. I look forward to "Hearing" you there!! This show is interactive so join us in the chatroom to ask our special guest questions.

Hi Wendy, Sorry about the no answer, didn't know you had asked a question. The call will not be recorded at this time. I will be hosting more seminars like this in the future, keep checking for when the next one will be.

Hi Fellow Bandsters, I wanted to let you know the WLS Channel has a new episode of the news up now. It's a very interesting news segment so be sure to check it out. Tune into the February 6, 2009, edition of WLS News to find out how losing weight can help improve your memory, learn why the federal government is spending millions to fight obesity in U.S. immigrants, and discover why some people may simply be hard-wired to overeat. Plus, Yvonne McCarthy will highlight one of the best WLS support sites on the Web, and we'll give viewers a sneak peek behind the scenes at a special fashion event for post-op WLS patients. Get the scoop on all these stories and more this week on WLS News!

This is an online Channel, not on national TV. I hope that helps.

Hey Bandster Buddies, I wanted to share with you a new channel available for us, it's called the Weight Loss Surgery Channel. Here is the description about the network The Weight Loss Surgery Channel is the world’s first television network devoted exclusively to the weight loss surgery community. Our goal is to provide information, encouragement and support to people considering bariatric surgery, as well as post-operative weight loss surgery patients and their family, friends and caregivers. Many people who are considering or have had weight loss surgery may be uncomfortable calling their doctor or attending a support group. But, for patients to have long-term success, they need to understand not only the physical changes, but also the emotional and psychological changes that lie ahead after obesity surgery. Our goal is to bring the information and support to them—in their home, at their job, wherever we can reach them—so they can get the help they need. Because the network is offered online, viewers can tune into programs 24/7 to gain encouragement and insight wherever they are. Of course, the Weight Loss Surgery Channel is not meant to replace the advice of medical professionals. Viewers are reminded to always consult a medical professional before making any decisions about bariatric surgery or any other form of surgery. They are always adding new shows, Melting Mama has her own show called "Melting Mama Reality Bites" it will be debuting within the next 2-3 weeks. 90 seconds to success is truly inspirational. The list goes on and on. If you have a special story you would like to share on the WLS Channel contact and let them know. You can check it out at www.wlschannel.com

The NYC 2009 National Lap-Band Conference- NYC, NY March 20-21, 2009 will focus on “Living the Lap-band Lifestyle”. This conference is designed to educate, motivate and inspire the lap-band patient to embrace every change throughout their journey. Determination, Inspiration, Motivation, and Transformation will take center stage at the 2009 NYC National Lap-band Conference hosted by Banded Together to be held in New York City, NY March 20-21, 2009. Some 150 participants from all over the United States are expected to attend. The NYC 2009 National Lap-band conference is expected to help both the pre-operative and post-operative patient prepare for the “Lap-band Lifestyle”The focus of this campaign is to promote a healthy lifestyle so that life can be lived to the fullest. Educating people about the health benefits of the LAP-BAND will increase awareness and therefore expand the direction of this promotional campaign. Among other issues, the conference will address, post-op eating, post-op fitness and post-op emotional changes. The “Living the LAP-BAND Lifestyle” campaign is meant to address the whole lap-band experience. The conference is designed to educate all Lap-band patients so their transformation to better health allows them to achieve more Results, Support and Success. Obesity is a terrible disease; as a result patients are cheated out of the greater opportunities life has to offer them. Weight Loss Surgery has given many patients the gift of taking back what obesity has robbed them of: self-esteem, self-confidence; and self-love. The NYC 2009 National Lap-band Conference will present a summary of how to embrace all the changes a person can experience and how to live their best life. Organized and planned by Banded Together & Lap-band Talk; The NYC 2009 National Lap-band Conference, themed "Living the Lap-band Lifestyle," will present a mix of national and local speakers. Bariatric Surgeon Dr. Brian Jacob; Bariatric Surgeon Dr. Duc Vuong; Plastic Surgeon Dr. Matthew Schulman; Certified LAP-BAND Lifestyle Coach Cher Ewing; Fitness Trainer Lisa Avellino, Nutritionist Sharon Zarabi and Licensed psychologist-.Dr. Connie Stapleton. This wide-ranging group will present a combination of main talks and breakout sessions designed to inspire the Lap-band Patient. More information about The NYC 2009 National Lap-band Conference can be found at https://www.bandedtogether.net/Events.php