Hello friends! I have delayed this as long as possible but now I need help. I will give a brief summary for those who don’t want the in depth medical details of my day to day quality of life issues that I will list below. I’ve had a lap band since April of 2011. At the time of my surgery I was led to believe that the device could stay in my body with no issues for the rest of my life, however, a brief google search will tell you that many people, actually 35-40% of people have major complications 7-10 years post surgery. I’m now 12 years out and a day doesn’t go by that I am in pain due to my band. My complications started fairly early but I was reassured by a surgeon (who has been removed from practice) that all would be well. I say all of this because I need this decide removed badly but insurance is not covering the cost. Times are hard all around, so anything is appreciated. If you’ve read this far, thank you. I appreciate any and all words of kindness and positivity you have to offer, even if you don’t have any change to spare. If you are interested in the gross, medical, nitty-gritty, I will list more below.

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Buckle in, I’m not kidding, I’m gonna tell you about my day to day with this old nemesis of mine.

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ok, last chance to back out…

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ok, really…last, last chance…

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Ok, here goes. I try to be very discreet about my issues. My husband has learned the smallest changes in my body language and posture or even the look on my face or how I chew or swallow. I vomit regularly. Sometimes half a dozen times a day. There are routinely days when I wake up, drink some coffee, have some lunch and between lunch and dinner it’s like I’ve tied a zip tie around my stomach. Some days I can puke once and then I’m able to resume eating. Sometimes, it’s a strict diet of soup/mashed potatoes. Due to my challenges, I’m unable to eat next to no fresh fruit or veggies. I CRAVE fresh veggies some days and drool over fruit plates. unfortunately, due to my difficult diet, I also struggle with intestinal issues. I go through cycles where I will eat ok for a day or 2 then get constipated, that will exacerbate band issues and the cycle restarts. This has been ongoing since 2015 when I had all the fluid removed. I just want to live normally, I want to be able to have dinner with a friend and not have to know where the nearest bathroom is and if there are multiple stalls and will I have to try to stifle noises if I cannot keep my meal down. I had a barium swallow earlier this year which showed I had pouching at the base of my esophagu, right above the band. The only fix is removal.  I am in pain. I hurt at the port site. My esophagus has random pain, after I vomit, I get intense heartburn. I’m just…tired. If you can, please help. But also know, I completely understand if you cannot and love you just the same!