Well my journey began June 2012 and since then I haven't felt good the entire time, knew something was wrong but just couldn't pinpoint it. First 6 months was nauseated and vomiting then Dec '12 had my gallbladder removed, kept losing toenails and getting infections at toenails along with other health issues. Dr's did blood work and finally came back positive for autoimmune disease. I am currently being treated for undetermined lupus right now. With all this said, I am taking narcotics around the clock for constant pain in joints and muscles and I may say getting addicted. It has come to me that my health is more important to me than the band and for me to be able to take NSAID's on a regular basis along with other drugs that are out there that are restricted from taking while having the band. My surgeon is concerned about my diagnosis anyway of lupus cause that alone with the connective tissue can cause slippage and errosion. I have an appt next Thurs to discuss removing my band. This is bittersweet for me but like I said this is a foreign object in my body and my health comes first. With discipline and my mom whom I live with as the food police as she is now anyway I pray I can keep the weight I've lost off and who knows maybe lose the addt's 40 lbs I need to lose to get to a good weight for me, a realistic weight for me. This will cost me as I will be self pay as my Anthem BCBS has stopped paying for any bariatric anything starting this Jan, '14, sigh. You guys have been my lap band family and my rocks to lean on when I neeeded you the most and from the bottom of my heart I thank you for that.

Hugs to you and many blessings.

thank you everyone for all your kind words of wisdom and suggestions. This decision was made by me and talking it over with my mom. My problems all started when I had my band put in. I'm not sure if my body doesn't like that its a foreign object in there or if I'm Vitamin deficient which I've had loads of blood work done recently. My surgeon is against NSAIDs and besides I would have to live on them all of the time, seriously. He is also concerned about if I truly have lupus and the connective tissue that the band is is around and affiliated with. I have toenails falling off weekly and toenail infections and having to deal with that and podiatrist said that is related to autoimmune compromised ppl so I feel that by me having the band surgery either flared up an autoimmune disease for me and like I said I live in daily and nightly pain, constant pain. As I type this I cannot sleep cause I hurt so bad, I've had 2 Tramadol's, 2 Tylenol's and some liquid motrin and nothing is knocking the pain. It is too late in the night for me to take anything stronger or I will be asleep till tomorrow afternoon.

I just think this is the best decision for me right now is to get my health back.

You know I love and support you, Donna. I think you have an awesome will power and WI'l e just fine with whatever you choose. You know your body the best.

Don't think I'm not going to still come knocking on your door. Your mom owes me a Jordan almond.

Wishing you all the best Donna. I understand chronic pain...was on all of that stuff as well...Tramadol, Percocet, Oxycodone... I had to have both hips replaced because of osteo-necrosis and the rheumatologist feels it also is autoimmune based though he cannot diagnose the exact type of disease. I will need both knees replaced at some point and now I have to get xrays and MRIs for all my major joints to monitor them in the hopes that I don't get as bad as I was. As others have said, please keep in touch with us so we can help you with your journey no matter where it takes you.

Health comes first. You have made the right decision and I wish you health and serenity...and the best things.

I would be very sad if I had to part from my band, it would be as if I lost a friend.

Thanks everyone, I truly touched by all comments and concerns and private messages. Anna I know mom owes you a Jordan almond, lol. Come anytime, always welcome at our house.

As of today I will hopefully hear from surgeon's office by Friday or next Monday for a surgery date and that will be within a couple of wks I'm certain.

I'm in a lot of pain today and not sure why, weather here in Western Ky is mild and temps are in the 60's so I know it's not the cold weather making me have a flare with my body.

It's sad to part with my band as it is my best friend, lol, but feel this is what is best for my health, haven't been healthy since day one and can pinpoint probs from then. It is almost like my body is rejecting it or something. idk....sigh

I will keep in touch will all, thanks again everyone.

Donna