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

Susannah, so sorry to hear that you've been sicker of late and that the band hasnt been all you hoped for. But if you're happy and healthier with your renewed acceptance of yourself, then that's a great thing. Its not for everyone.

You know, I totally agree about how the band may be less effective longer term. These days, I think I'm keeping my weight lost as much with exercise and willpower as anything else. I dont wish to keep filling to keep that Iron hard control on my intake, I dont want to live like that forever, but I simply dont have the appetite control and portion control I once did. Luckily for me, I dont seem to require it. I dont think you can keep a very tight band longterm, I think its asking for problems.

I hope the removal goes OK and that you enjoy the relief from the negative side effects.

Hi Sussanah ...

I just replied to your same post on

the other Aussie group I am in..

www.bandingtogether.com.au

Once again I wish you well with your removal, I guess this road isn`t for everyone and I am sorry you have been so sick ..

All the best for your future...

Marion

P.S Jacqui where in Australia are you..???

melbourne!

You look great ....Have you had all possitive reactions to your banding ..??

So far I have no problems but when I read of others who have had lots of problems re operations because of slippage etc I get a bit concerned....:thumbup: