My Crazy Lap Band Journey That Ended in Its Removal
by Julie
(Aurora, CO)
My name is Julie, and I have been overweight all my life. I started gaining weight at the age of 5. So, I was an overweight child, a fat teen and a morbidly obese (what a terrible, terrible phrase) adult.
I applied for gastric bypass surgery about 15 years ago and was denied weight loss surgery coverage through my insurance company because I failed the psych evaluation. Not that there was anything wrong with me, per se. I just told the truth.
I had been emotionally abused by my mother over my weight my whole life. I was NEVER good enough, would never amount to anything, would never be loved, and deserved all the bad things happening to me and all the abuse from society I was getting as a "fatso cow". Because of this I was denied due to the fact that I had "no backup".
I proved her wrong (somewhat) - I did find a man who loved me, and was actually able to have a child... which was really lucky at over 350 pounds.
My reason for getting my lap band was my daughter. I didn't want her to grow up with the embarrassment of a huge mom. I got it when she was 4, hoping by the time she noticed her mom was not like other moms I would be smaller.
I started my lap band journey at 342 pounds. It has been rocky, to say the least.
My insurance did not pay for it, so I went the self-pay-bariatric-surgery route. I had some medical issues post op, which can be attributed more to the hernia repair I had done at the same time, as well as a doctor who, shall we say, was a bit shady?? (though, of course, I didn't realize this til after the surgery)
It took me 2 years 2 months and 2 days to lose 100 pounds, but I did it!!!!
I was down 113 pounds when I lost my band due to lap band erosion. This is one of those rare things they tell you can happen. From what I am reading it is generally caused by an inexperienced surgeon doing things not quite right. I can't prove it.... but I suspect that was the case for me.
It has been almost a month since my removal. I am slowly recovering, mentally as well as physically.
I absolutely, positively loved my band. I still feel like I have lost my best friend.
I have no regrets about being banded. I would (and do) recommend it to friends.
Next step (possibly): gastric bypass.
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