Tomander

I just wanted to thank all my "Bandster Buddies" that have e-mailed me over the past few days asking me for the "Egg Timer Distraction Document"... in total I have received 22 requests... WOW... I think that's GREAT. I wanted to let everyone know that I just heard back from 3 more people who also tried the "trick" and they also had wonderful results in a month... 9 lbs.... 11 lbs... and 12 lbs. I think over the past 6 years I bet over 100 have had results with this "trick". This is why I love this community so much because we are able to help each other. I've also heard back from a few people that I sent my recipe CD to and the Joe Cross DVD. (**Joe Cross) One person is now is preparing her meals on Sunday for the week... in muffin tins !!! I'm 6 years out but I still need motivation now and then that's why I host my monthly lapband coffee groups and that's why I contribute to this forum. Thanks again for the wonderful feedback. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs tomander@bell.net **Joe Cross If you want to watch an inspiring short documentary "Google" Joe Cross - "Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead"... now I know the title is a little unsettling but it's a great documentary for anyone that has ever tried to lose weight.

Hello Band Buddies We will be holding the Lapband coffee Group in Brampton for the month of October a week earlier because of the Thanksgiving holiday. Lapband Coffee Group – Brampton Monday, October 6th - 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!

Hello Band Buddies I called Timothy’s today to confirm the reservation for the coffee group on Saturday and I was told by management that the store would be closed. I’m so sorry about this. I have found a new location which is about 2 blocks south of Bloor St. at Sherbourne and Isabella on the East side. The time remains the same… 2:00 p.m. I will be getting there early. Just ask for Tom. Gabby's at the Isabella Hotel 556 Sherbourne Street
 Toronto, ON, M4X 1L3

Lapband Coffee Group – Toronto Saturday, September 27th – 2:00 p.m. Timothy's Coffee 425 Bloor St. E. M4W 3R4 (Turn right when you exit the Sherbourne Subway stop… there is also street parking near by.) 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 I'll be arriving at the coffee shop at about 1:00 p.m. Tom Let’s all “band” together for a cup of coffee!

Hello Band Buddies A few people new people that are not yet banded have e-mailed me and asked if they can bring a spouse to coffee... yes!!! We are expecting a large turnout on Saturday... and yes for those of you that have asked for the last batch of recipes and other items I gave out at the Brampton and Burlington groups I will be bringing copies to the Toronto group for those of you that are not on my LBCG e-mail list. Looking forward to seeing everyone on Saturday... were even having people coming in from Sudbury and Markham!!! I will be arriving at about 1:00 p.m. Please feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions. Thanks ! Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs EM: tomander@bell.net

Lapband Coffee Group – Burlington Tuesday, September 30th – 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 Let’s all “band” together for a cup of coffee!

I have a friend that was 70 when he was banded and has lost 130 lbs. I host 3 Lapband Coffee Groups a month in my area and we have several "Bandsters" that are 60+ have and great success and have lost 75+ Just take it one day at a time. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

Doesn't sound band related... hang in there!!! Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

Lapband coffee Group – Toronto Saturday, September 27th – 2:00 p.m. Timothy's Coffee 425 Bloor St. E. M4W 3R4 (Turn right when you exit the Sherbourne Subway stop… there is also street parking near by.) 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!

Great !!!

I take strong pain meds that cause constipation. My band doctor and my orthopaedic surgeon both recommend Collace for constipation (a very mild stool soften) I take 2 at bedtime every night... works great !!!! You can get it at any drug store...but I would check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medication. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

I've had fills in total... no defills. My last fill was almost 8 years ago. I still have great "restriction" and have had no issues at all. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

I'm going into my 9th year of being a "bandster" and I still get the gurgles... I've had 4 fills in total... no defills. I can eat anything except rice and apple skins and no carbonated beverages. They can happen ANYTIME before a meal... hours after a meal... whenever... they are VERY loud sometimes. They started happening 2 weeks after my second fill. My doctor said this is completely normal for some people. For me it's just a reminder that hey my band is there and doing a great job. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

Hi Kathy While I was losing I always kept cold turkey in the fridge cut up in to tiny cubes... I love turkey...it's my main source of Protein. Whenever I wanted a snack I would grab a few ounces of turkey and some carrot sticks and some homemade dip. I found the is really helped. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

Welcome to "Bandland" !!! Here's something that I've posted here several times over the years for "new" bandsters that many people have found very helpful. Just to add... following the surgery you may have shoulder pain from the gas used during the surgery... some people get it... some don't .... mine last only 3 days... that was the only pain I had. I found a heating pad REALLY helped along with walking. Over the next few days you will be feeling a lot of different emotions… many of us have felt or are feeling what you are going through right now. I know for me I never realized how much food controlled my life. I had a really hard time with “head hunger” in the evenings. I’m now entering my 9th 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 three coffee groups for people that are banded. (I host them). These things really keep 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 and I 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

Thanks very much!! Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

Melissa what a WONDERFUL post... thank you so much for sharing. I host several coffee groups a month and so many times I hear people blame the band and figure it's too late to start over. Can I have your permission to show your post to my group? I'm sure they will find it very motivational. Thank you for sharing and congratulations for getting back on the "band-wagon"!!! Tom, Toronto Banded: July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

Welcome to "Bandland"!! Yes...very normal. As Lady said your swollen and healing... just take it one day at time. Did you take your starting measurements? If you have any questions please feel free to ask. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs EM tomander@bell.net

That's very normal. I'm with MBJohnson. I don't own scales. I only get weighed in once a month with my family doctor. While I was losing I got weighed and measured every month by family doctor and I also got weighed in every time I went in for an adjustment at my clinic (4 times)... best thing I ever did. Keep track of your measurements instead of the number on the scale... you'll be glad you did. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

Toronto, Ontario, Canada Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

Lapband Coffee Group – Brampton Monday, September 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!

Great ! The date will be September 27th... details to follow soon. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

Well done !!! Just take it one day at time... your on the right track... just curious did you take starting measurements? I don't own scales... I checked in every month with my family doctor and got weighed and measured... and I also got weighed in every time got an adjustment (I had 4 in total). I still get weighed in every month... this really keeps me focused and on track. Feel free to ask any questions. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

Hi... I'll be starting up the Toronto group again at the end of September... I'll be posting details here for anyone that is interested. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 W. Loss: 160 lbs

Hello Band Buddies Well I’m back ! After taking a few months off from the coffee groups for my hip replacement I’ll be starting them up again starting in August and September. The Brampton group will be starting up again in September and I’m trying to figure out a date for the Durham group (I might try a Monday night) and also I will be again trying the Toronto group on a Saturday morning. The dates have not been finalized yet. I have to take it slow but I do miss the groups so I thought I would start with Burlington group and go from from there. Remember, the groups are successful because people make them successful… ONLY YOU can make the time to come and take an hour or two for yourself… we can all make excuses but if you want support from fellow bandsters it’s out there. The band is an investment in your health… you also need to invest time for yourself in this journey. I’m looking forward to getting back on the “band-wagon" and seeing everyone come out. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs Lapband Coffee Group – Burlington Tuesday, August 26th – 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 Let’s all “band” together for a cup of coffee!