kristysue

I had a Realize Band in August 2008 (self-pay). The first two years were fairly smooth and I lost weight, completed two triathlons and was loving my life. I ended up with a back injury and was unable to exercise for 6 months. During that time I started having complications with my band. I had trouble swallowing, eating solids, etc. I had to have a complete unfill and still struggled with eating solids. Last summer I was in the hospital twice unable to swallow and having swallow tests. That was the last straw.

I wanted to have a revision surgery, but the insurance company did not agree. I had to remove my band (self-pay) and then I had complications after the surgery and missed a month of work and had a hard time getting back on my feet. The insurance company now has me going through the 6-months of jumping through hoops. I am hoping for surgery this summer - late June or early July.

Going through this process a second time is very challenging. It is that common cycle of been there done that and failed at weight loss again. I am trying to find my happy space and go through this process for the last time to find a healthy me.