Hi All,
I have not posted here in forever. I was banded in February 2007.
I have made the decision to have my Lap Band removed. I cannot handle it anymore.
I am tired of the horrific side effects of vomitting and pain. I think I have vomitted everyday for the last three years.
I am tired of the fill and unfill game.
I also have progressive Multiple Sclerosis, and I have been struggling with the disease.
I have recently been hospitalized for it.
I cannot fight a battle on two fronts. The side effects of the band, and the progression of my MS, and the battle that is MS.
The Lap Band.
I looked gaunt and awful when I had lost 50 kilos. My hair fell out, I looked like a deflated balloon. I hated how my body looked.
I have gained the weight back, and it has all filled out again, and I feel happy with how it looks. I feel very beautiful and feminine.
I think the medical profession glosses over the psychological effects all the changes the Lap Band can have on your life.
Disclaimer this is my experience of life with the band. I am speaking only for myself, and giving my own opinions.
There is no easy answer. I now personally do not believe the Lap Band is the answer either.
I also believe it to be possibly dangerous in the long term.
My Aunt had hers removed in emergency surgery a month ago.
I also think the band works well in the short term, say the first two years, but it becomes less effective after that.
I have decided to love myself as I am, be healthy in the body that I have, and to live my life for now, and not for the magical day that I look a certain way that society perceives that I must as a woman.
I am a beautiful woman, right now and as I am.
I am not buying the propeganda anymore.
With that said I do wish everybody else well who has the band, or is to be banded.
I am seeing my surgeon this Thursday, and I will ask him to take it out.
My body, my choice.
I am at peace with myself and who I am.
Best Wishes
Susannah