BadBand

Hi, I'm new to this forum, but not to lap band. I got my band in Mexico in June 2009, and it has never really worked for me. I had many "adjustments" but always had issues. And never really lost much weight with it. Now it is a living night mare. I can't eat a single meal without running to the bathroom to throw up violently. Last week I thought I was having a heart attack I had such severe chest pain while and after throwing up. It scared me so much!! I'm 47 and weigh about 190 lbs. Female, 5'4". I think I have to have my band removed but I just can't afford the surgery. Does anyone know if it can be covered by Alberta Health Care? I'm so miserable, I just want to be able to eat a meal with my son and not have to toss my Cookies 3-4 times each and every day. I actually think that I've been gaining weight as a result of only being able to consume so little that my body has gone into hyper-drive and stores every tiny morsel that I don't puke up. Does anyone have any advice? I'd be interested to hear about others with my issues, and those of you who have had their bands removed.