Tomander

We are going to have another coffee group next week... we had to leave early last night due to a power outage. Lapband Coffee Group – Brampton Monday, July 15th – 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!

Very well put... I was self-pay. I couldn't afford to Let this new $16,000 "tool" fail without working with it. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

Welcome ! Ask lots of questions. I found it helpful to speak to a "live" person. If you would like to chat on the phone I have free long distance and would happy answer any questions you have. Please feel free to email me. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs tomander@bell.net

Curried Jalapeno Dip Ingredients: 1/2 cup of Light Miracle Whip 1/4 cup of dijon mustard 1/2 tsp of curry powder 1/2 tsp of cumin 1 tsp of paprika 1/2 tsp of black pepper 3 tbsp of jarred jalapenos (pickled & diced) ** 1 tbsp of the juice from the pickled jalapenos ** You can adjust the jalapenos peppers – (I used 3 rings and the heat was very mild) Directions: Throw it all in a food processor and press the grind button

The only pain I had was the left shoulder pain. It lasted for 3 days... a heating pad really helped and walking. Extra Strength Advil did the trick for the pain. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

I don't own scales. While I was losing I only got weighed and measured once a month by my family doctor. I still get weighed in every month. This was the best decision I made... I don't get hung up on the number on the scale. Keeps me motivated and on tract. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

I’ll going into my 7th year of being banded (this week) 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: 160 lbs tomander@bell.net

Just curious... have you lost in inches? I'm not able to exercise a lot... I've had 7 spinal fusions and both my SI joints are fused. (I have spinabifida) I walk with 2 canes but I walk everyday and use 2 lbs hand and ankle weights that helped me with toning with my arms and legs. I used them before and after my tummy tuck. I strap them to my ankles and writs when I got for my walk. I also do arm lifts with them. I know several people in my lapband coffee group that exercise like crazy and they lose inches faster than pounds. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

I’m coming up to my 7th year of being banded this week 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: 160 lbs tomander@bell.net

Congratulations !!! Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

TX... I'm sort of retired so I'm available to chat during the day and most evenings... I'm also a late night person. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs tomander@bell.net

Doesn't sound like a stuck episode. Don't be afraid to try all "carbs" or other foods (meats, etc.) .... 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 or apple skins. For me rice and apple skins don't get stuck they just feel strange going down I don't eat them. If you do have an "episode" with a particular food don't be afraid to try it again at another time in a few days or weeks. Remember... you have the band for life... you should be able to eat a well balanced diet from all the food groups and ENJOY your food. Don't forget to make sure if you finish what you have in your mouth before you take your second or third bite. I couldn't go through life without my Pasta, steak, roast beeft... or a sandwich now and then TX...if you have any questions or would like to chat on the phone I have free long distance and would be happy to call you. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs tomander@bell.net

I can honestly say the only pain I had was in my left shoulder... it was really bad and last for 3 days. I found a heating pad and walking really helped. I started to feel "normal" on day 5. I was told no heavy lifting (10 lbs) for 2 weeks. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

I think support from family helps but support from other bandsters had played a major part to my success. Other bandsters know what I'm going through. I host 3 coffee groups a month for people that are banded or looking into the band. Remember you got the band for you! I started the coffee groups 5 years ago and they are a great way to meet people. Forums and chatrooms are great but I prefer to meet people in person or chat with them on the phone. I also chat with 8 different people on the phone every month... both in Canada and the US. I have free long distance. If there isn't a support group in your area please feel free to email and I'd I be happy to tell you how I started mine. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs tomander@bell.net

What your feeling is normal for some people... I can honestly say I didn't really start to feel hungry until I started "normal" solid food. I’m in 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: 160 tomander@bell.net

Hi While I was losing I only plateaued twice but I kept losing in inches. My doctor suggested that I increase my solid Protein. I started snacking on "turkey cubes" I cut up chunks of turkey in to small cube and made a great dip. It was a great snack and still is.... but it also help with my metabolism. This helped kicked start my weight loss again. Several people in my coffee groups have tried increasing their protein with they have plateaued and it has seem to have also helped them. If you would like the recipe for the dip I have please feel free to email me. I also use it for veggies. It's made with Miracle Whip Light. Hang in there !! Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs tomander@bell.net

The only pain I had was in my left shoulder... it last for 3 days and was REALLY bad. I found a heating pad really helped and walking. I said to myself... WHAT HAVE I DONE!!!... but on day four If felt sort of "normal" after I had a good burp. PLEASE hang in there... it does get better!!! I didn't have to do the pre-op diet and I followed my menu plan to the letter... it was so worth it. I lost 17 lbs my first week. Keep a food journal and do the best you can. If you have access to a support group try and go to a meeting. Support from other bandsters can be very beneficial... especially in the very beginning. Please feel free to ask any questions. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs tomander@bell.net

Lapband coffee Group – Brampton Monday, July 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!

Perfectly normal!!! Welcome to "Bandland"! Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss; 160 lbs

What a great success !!! Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

Sound like you may need a tiny defill. I would check with your doctor. I was told no carbonated beverages at all... but each doctor is different. I did try it twice over the past 7 years and both times I thought I was going to die... NEVER again. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

Hi... congratulations !!! I didn't have to do a Pre-op diet and I came through the journey just fine. I lost 17 lbs my first week and there were no issues during the surgery. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

I only used Protein shakes for the first 2 weeks... I really like the ones from costco. Good luck... this is a great place for information. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

I'm in my 7th year of being a "Bandster".. I've had no issues at all. I can eat anything except rice or apple skins. I actually below goal. I started with a 54" waist now 30". The band changed my life. I find maintenance very easy. The only regret is that I didn't do it sooner. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt Loss: 156 lbs

I said to myself after the surgery... what have I done... after day 3... I had a big burp... the shoulder pain was gone and I've never looked back. No regrets at all. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs