Your words actually make me tear up, Mary. I understand what you're saying. Please know that it truly is NOT your failure. The band just doesn't work for the majority of us and I know that doesn't change what you're currently going through, but don't add feeling bad about yourself to the mix. I am wishing you the best with band removal. You didn't mention why you were having it removed, but if it's due to complications, I hope that band removal resolves the issues. 

Good luck on Tuesday. You'll get through this. Your kids aren't going to see you as a failure. I thought the same thing when I was going through it...and it was the furthest thing from the truth. Kids don't like to see their mother suffering. Hugs to you. 

I'm gettingg my lap band removed next Tuesday. I am overwhelmed with so many feelings. Number 1 I feel like a failure. Even though I have read enough and been told enough it's not my fault that it isn't working. I haven't told my kids mainly because I do feel like this failure and I don't want to appear like that for them. My husband doesn't understand the ups and downs of weight loss. I feel like a failure in front of him also. But it's mainly my self that I feel the worse. I'm 57 years old and have been battling this for a lifetime.. They called today for surgery checklist, and it hit me like big time that I'm actually going to do this. I'm more apprehensive for this removal than I was for the original placement. I had to vent this as I needed to get it off my chest and take a deep breath and keep fighting this fight for a healthier me,,,, 

I saw my doctor this am. He took out some of the fluid, explained that all my pain was from the band ( which we already knew that) ordered a EGD test. The barium showed inflammation above my band and I have not been having any eating problems, but I saw it. So, we will do the EGD test, see what it says, see what insurance will say to get it out. IF they do take it out, I'm sure I will have the pay the difference for the revision.  This will just take one step at a time and hopefully with my adventure I can help someone else with the same concerns as me.

On a funny note: When I was having the x-ray, I noticed a heart shaped object by band and asked, " What is that"? Turns out it was the Victoria Secret heart from my bra !!! LOL

There are soooo many of us that have had serious problems from that blasted band, you are far from alone! I finally ended up having to pay to get mine removed. Fortunately I was already in the hospital for something else so I only had to pay for the surgery itself and the anesthesiologist, so all combined it was about $4500 and the surgeon let me put it on a credit card and the other I could make payments on. I was in so much pain from it tho I could barely stand to sit up. That was 2 yrs ago and I still have problems with my stomach and excess acid.

I'm happy to help, if I can. It's a hard thing to deal with. I know no one could have talked me out of the band, either. I hear you! 

I was going to inform you about our Failed Bands group, but I see you already found it. I just added you. There's some info that might be of help to you... or at least, you'll see that you're certainly not alone with your complications. There are a number of groups on facebook, as well. Back when I had my band removed, I think it was easier. I didn't have to jump through any hoops to get insurance to cover removal. Hopefully there's someone who can advise you about this because I'm sure it's a little different now. 

Hope your appointment goes well and you get some plan of action.