Tomander

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!

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. 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 met a small group of women for coffee and "Bandster Boost" session this afternoon. They were all recently banded. Four of the ladies met two of women from one of my coffee groups at a recent gathering of bandsters and they contacted me. Two ladies told the other ladies about my egg timer trick... they wanted more information and then we connected by phone and agreed to meet. The ladies wanted to pick my brain on how I have done on my lapband journey. Together as a group we laid the out their goals of what they wanted to get from their lapband journey. We set out a plan... and short-term goals EVERYONE agreed to TRY the follow for 1 week... - plan your meals for 1 week ONLY - try at least one new recipe every week (for those of you that know me I have a HUGE library of bandster friendly recipes that I have collected since being banded) - write down EVERYTHING you eat - listen to you body and your clinic - MAKE SURE you take tiny bites of food and swallow each bite before you take your next bite - only weigh and measure yourself ONCE a week - take time 15 minutes a day for yourself... walk.. or do simple exercises We have exchanged contact information and will be staying in touch. I was telling the group about my Bandster network of friends... not only the ones I meet at the coffee groups but also the many individuals that I speak with on the phone on a monthly basis. Let's face it the lapband journey is not easy... and who can afford to throw away the cost of the procedure. As many longtime bandsters will tell you... you must work with the band and use it as a tool. If you go into this journey with a positive attitude and take it one day at a time and seek support from fellow bandsters YOU WILL HAVE SUCCESS. For any bandsters that have fallen off the "band-wagon"... wether you have just been banded or banded a long time... it's NEVER too late to jump back on and ask for help. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 140 lbs

Lapband coffee Group - Durham Wednesday, October 19th – 7:00 p.m. WilliamsCoffee Pub 1650 Victoria Street East Whitby, ON (905) 571-5145 (Very close to the Oshawa GO Train Station)<br style="mso-special-character:line-break"><br style="mso-special-character:line-break"> The Lapband Coffee Groups are open to EVERYONE who has hadLapband 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 fromindividuals who have had the surgery and to ask questions or just listen toindividuals share their lapband journey experience. No need to sign up… just show up and if you can’t find thegroup ask for Tom at the cash register. If you have any questions before the coffee group pleasecontact: 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!

coffee Group - Toronto - Sat. Oct. 8th by Tomander on Sat Oct 01, 2011 2:35 am Lapband Coffee Group – Toronto<br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">Saturday, October 8th - – 11:00 a.m.<br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">Timothy's Coffee <br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">425 Bloor St. E. <br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">Toronto, ON <br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">Just North of Sherbourne Subway Station at Bloor St. <br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">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". <br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">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.<br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">No need to sign up… just show up and if you can’t find the group ask for Tom at the cash register.<br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">If you have any questions before the coffee group please contact:<br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">Tom – tomander@rogers.com<br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">Let’s all “band” together for a cup of coffee

Lapband coffee Group – Burlington Tuesday, September 27th – 7:00 p.m. Second Cup 901 Brant St Burlington, ON L7R 2J6 (Just West of the Walmart) (905) 681-1079 The Lapband Coffee Groups are open to EVERYONE who has hadLapband 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 fromindividuals who have had the surgery and to ask questions or just listen toindividuals share their lapband journey experience. No need to sign up… just show up and if you can’t find thegroup ask for Tom at the cash register. If you have any questions before the coffee group pleasecontact: Tom – tomander@rogers.com Let’s all “band” together for a cup of coffee!

Thanks to everyone that came out for coffee in Burlington. I think Denise and I are going to start our own side-group for "Eggies". I think we both need help!! Looking forward to seeing everyone in October at the various locations. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 140 lbs

On the Dr. Oz show yesterday (Sept. 12th) he talked about belly fat. He made an interesting point that we focus too much on the number on the scale and need to worry more about our waist size. Dr. Oz has written many articles about the ideal waist size. For women it's 32.5 inches and for men it's 35 inches. Everyone in the audience was given a piece of ribbon exactly 32.5" in length... the ribbon was blank on both sides... no men in the audience that day. Dr. Oz encouraged the audience to use this ribbon as a guide when staring a weight loss program. Once a week or once a month take the ribbon and see how the gap has gotten smaller when placed around your waist. The show was talking about 5 steps To Conquering Your 40+ Belly. He had an interesting meal plan which included a Breakfast suggestion. If anyone would like the recipe for Noodle pudding and an article he wrote a few years ago about the "Ideal Waist Size" you can find it on his website or contact me and I can send you both files in .pdf format - tomander@rogers.com While I was losing I found it very helpful to take my measures to see my progress. I don't own scales so my family doctor would weigh me every month and measure my chest, hips and waist. I'm going to try the recipe on Sunday... I'll let you know what it's like. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 140 lbs

Your welcome Staci... I'm so glad my family doctor suggested he take my measurements every month... this kept me motivated and I found maintenance to be fairly easy... I don't find myself getting as stressed like I did when I lost weight in the past and weighed myself everyday.

Lapband coffee Group – Toronto Saturday, September 17tth – 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.co...ups-Toronto-GTA

Lapband coffee Group– Durham Tuesday, November 22nd 7:00 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30 p.m.) Ajax Community Centre 75 Centennial Road Ajax, ON (off Clements & Monarch) Meeting Room: Admiral The Lapband Coffee Groups are open to EVERYONE who has hadLapband 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 fromindividuals who have had the surgery and to ask questions or just listen toindividuals share their lapband journey experience. Special Announcement Attending will be guest speaker Dr. Chris Cobournwho will present "How the Lapband Works" followed by Q & A. NOTE: Spaceis limited to 30 seats please e-mail Tom if you would like to attend orif you have any questions. Tom - tomander@rogers.com

Lapband coffee Group - Durham Wednesday, September 14th - 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 Let's all band together for a cup of coffee!

Special Lapband coffee Group – Richmond Hill Wednesday, September 21st - 7:00 p.m. Richvale Community Centre & Pool 160 Avenue Road Richmond Hill, ON The meeting will be held in the Carrville Room 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 Coburn who will present “How the Lapband Works” followed by 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. Tom – tomander@rogers.com Let’s all “band” together for a cup of coffee!

Lapband coffee Group – Burlington Tuesday, August 30th – 7:00 p.m. Second Cup 901 Brant St Burlington, ON L7R 2J6 (Just West of the Walmart) (905) 681-1079 The Lapband Coffee Groups are open to EVERYONE who has hadLapband 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 fromindividuals who have had the surgery and to ask questions or just listen toindividuals share their lapband journey experience. No need to sign up… just show up and if you can’t find thegroup ask for Tom at the cash register. If you have any questions before the coffee group pleasecontact: Tom – tomander@rogers.com Let’s all “band” together for a cup of coffee!

HI... sorry not sure of any groups in Peterborough.. what I would suggest is to speak with the clinic that does your fills and see if you can post a notice looking for other bandsters in your area. I also put free notices in various community newspapers advertising the various groups I started. We have had several people drive in from Peterborough to Whitby for our group. Tom

Well… who would have thought that 5 years ago today I’d begetting something called a “lapband”. I had done all my research; talk to the doctors severaltimes prior to my surgery. Ijoined Canadian Lapbanders and asked a ton of questions… I was in the Lapbandtalk.comchat room every night for two months prior to surgery and I even spoke with twopatients on the phone and asked even more questions prior to surgery. I was ready to begin my lapbandjourney. I can remember right after the surgery I said… “What have Idone to myself”… that reaction was from the left shoulder pain I wasexperiencing. The fourth day pastand going into the fifth day I was starting to feel “normal” but little did Irealize that from that day on my life… in particular the way looked at foodwould change. I kept my food journal everyday for the first fourmonths. I wrote downeverything. Every Monday morning Iwould sit and re-read the information Dr. Yau gave me. I studied the menu plans I was givenlike I was getting ready for an exam. Every month when I went to my family doctor for my monthlyweigh-in and measurements I took my folder with all my lapband info in it alongwith my food journals for the past month and I would review my journals with myfamily doctor and then he would take out the measuring tape… then I wouldweighed. The lapband journey for me was like doing a puzzle. There are many pieces that wouldeventually come together and form my new “lapband lifestyle”. Things that have helped me work on my new puzzle. - Ilistened to the doctor and clinic staff - Ireviewed the information folder given to me by the clinic on regular basis(weekly while on the various food stages) and then twice a month – So manypeople that get banded today get their binder and they read through it justafter surgery and then put it on the self to collect dust. - Ikept my food journal for 4 months without fail - Istopped eating large meals past 7:00 p.m. and now just have an evening snack onoccasion. The only exception to myrule is on Friday night when I usually go out for dinner Even before my journey started I started looking forsupport. I read everything I couldfind online, read EVERY post on Canadian Lapbanders and asked many question. Support. Sincebeing banded the word support has never been so important to me. The lapband journey is a uniqueexperience and if the people around you are not banded they try to understandwhat you’re going through but they really don’t get it. I know the reason I was so successfulis because of the support of fellow bandsters. I went to the support group meetings at the clinic, attendedthe special seminars offered and I was always in the chat room. Over the years I’ve talked on the phoneto bandsters from all over, Canada, US and even the UK. Fast forward to today and I still say that support from fellowbandsters is the key for me in maintaining my weight and I still have mymonthly weigh-in with my family doctor. Friends that are not banded laugh at me because I take the GO train allover the place just to meet a group of people for coffee. Yes, it’s expensive cup of coffee but Ienjoy connecting with my fellow bandsters as they start their new journey orwatch them reach their goal and it’s great to share lapband stories withindividuals that are looking into this new lifestyle change. People ask me if I think about my lapband everyday… I do(usually when it gurgles) but it has become a part of me. I still enjoy all the foods I did inthe past (with two exceptions and NO CARBONATED BEVERAGES) but I never feellike I’m missing out on certain foods or social gatherings because I have theband. My brothers and I have beengoing to a “RibFest” for the past 9 years. I went this past weekend. Throughout the day I had 10 ribs in total and a half ofpulled pork sandwich… we were there several hours. In the past (and my brothers still do) I would eat a rack ofribs from at least 6 vendors and 2 pulled pork sandwiches…. Sorry Arlene butnot veggies on RibFest day. To my fellow bandsters thank you so much for being there forme at the various stages throughout my journey. Yes… I may be crazy to traveljust about anywhere to meet fellow bandsters for coffee but again I get so muchout of this unique support group and it keeps me on track. My arm may hurt from holding the phonefor too long after speaking to a fellow bandster from Calgary for over an hour onthe phone but I don’t mind. To my clinic and in particular Dr. Yau, Kathy and Nancy andin recent years Arlene… thank you for giving me the tools to use along the wayto be successful. – Dr. Yau’s egg timer trick really does work !!! I’m not sure the lapband puzzle will ever be complete…. Iknow I will continue to add pieces to it for years to come. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 140lbs Lapband Coffee Meet up Group: http://www.meetup.com/Lapband-Coffee-Groups-Toronto-GTA/

Paula... you were banded at TLBC (Slimband) by Dr. Yau? When was your friend banded? Is she in the Toronto or surrounding area? I host several coffee groups... she can join us for coffee... feel free to give her my e-mail address - tomander@rogers.com Did I add you to my lapband e-mail list. I send out recipes and also reminders about our coffee groups... but you can just delete those. Let me know if you would like me to e-mail you a folder full of information I've collected. Tom

Paula congratulations on your success. It's amazing how fast the time goes by. I NEVER thought I would keep the weight off.... back when I was banded I knew what the band did but to be honest I wasn't sure how the maintenance would be.. for me I have found losing weight with the band or other methods very easy to lose but keeping it off was ALWAYS the problem. The band allows me to still eat all the foods I enjoy but in a smaller "normal" portion... I don't feel like I'm missing out on certain foods. I also find meeting with the coffee groups a couple of times a month and checking in with other bandsters keeps me motivated. I still get weighed every month by my family doctor... this also keeps me on track. Here's to the next 5 years!! Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 140 lbs

The Toronto Star has been running a series of articles on Obesity. There are the links: Part 1 http://www.thestar.com/article/1010968 Part 2 http://www.thestar.com/news/article/1011284--canada-s-youth-face-obesity-epidemic Part 3 http://www.healthzone.ca/health/dietfitness/diet/article/1011436--big-bucks-few-controls-in-the-wild-west-of-weight-loss Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 140 lbs Dr. Yau

Lapband coffee Group - Durham Wednesday, August 17th – 7:00 p.m. WilliamsCoffee Pub 1650 Victoria Street East Whitby, ON (905) 571-5145 (Very close to the Oshawa GO Train Station)<br style="mso-special-character:line-break"><br style="mso-special-character:line-break"> The Lapband Coffee Groups are open to EVERYONE who has hadLapband 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 fromindividuals who have had the surgery and to ask questions or just listen toindividuals share their lapband journey experience. No need to sign up… just show up and if you can’t find thegroup ask for Tom at the cash register. If you have any questions before the coffee group pleasecontact: 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!