Finding My Voice: Aloma Devaux's Journey to Radical Self-Trust

Join host Nyomi Banks on this deeply moving Wisdom Wednesday episode of The Season of Self Love Podcast as she welcomes BII survivor Aloma Devaux, whose powerful story demonstrates the profound transformation that happens when we stop apologizing for knowing our own bodies and start trusting ourselves as the ultimate authority on our experience. What You'll Discover: • The journey from external validation to radical self-trust • How to recognize subtle BII symptoms that doctors often dismiss • The courage required to ask for help and financial support for healing • Why finding your voice is essential for authentic healing • The immediate and long-term benefits of explant surgery Aloma's Transformation Story: Starting as an insecure young woman who got implants with a friend ("buddy system"), Aloma lived with implants for 32 years total - first set for years, then replacements for 19 years. Her journey shows how BII symptoms can be subtle and easily dismissed as "normal aging." Key Symptoms Aloma Experienced:

• Severe shortness of breath and getting winded easily
• Constant "glue in throat" feeling and swallowing difficulties
• Mysterious red freckles appearing only under breasts
• Chronic neck, back, and shoulder pain from capsular contracture
• Debilitating brain fog and memory issues
• Extreme vertigo episodes during cross-country move
• Chronic fatigue and facial inflammation
• Low libido and night sweats
• Insomnia and overwhelming feelings of helplessness

The Awakening Moments:

• Ten years ago: First intuitive knowing that removal would bring "freedom"
• Three years ago: X-ray showing calcification on implants
• Six months ago: Finally researching proper explant surgeons and discovering BII
• The relief of checking symptoms off the BII list: "That's totally me!"

Overcoming Barriers:

• Financial Challenge: Courageously asking friends for help with surgery costs
• Imposter Syndrome: Feeling like a "fraud" without severe autoimmune diseases
• Denial: Minimizing symptoms as "just aging" or "not that bad"
• Medical Dismissal: Doctors attributing symptoms to menopause or other causes

The Surgery Experience: Aloma shares her realistic expectations (focused on freedom and health, not appearance), recovery challenges including drains and healing complications, and the importance of documenting the journey with daily photos as recommended by patient advocate Laura Bowden. Immediate Post-Surgery Changes:

• Day 1: Complete elimination of back and neck pain
• Week by week: Continuous improvement in energy and mental clarity
• 6 weeks: Feeling better than ever, even better than before implants
• Overall: Profound sense of freedom and spiritual liberation

Powerful Insights:

• "I felt if I could just get them out of my body, I would feel free" - the inexplicable knowing
• "Anyone who's had them out understands - you feel such a weight lifted emotionally, literally, and spiritually"
• "It only took me 32 years to get what I actually wanted"

Advice for Women Considering Explant:

• Ask yourself what you're truly scared of (appearance, finances, findings, effectiveness)
• Listen to your body - you are the ultimate authority on your experience
• Give yourself grace and trust your timing
• Know that you're worth every penny and second of recovery
• The experience isn't as scary as it seems and goes by quickly

The Voice and Trust Theme: Aloma's story beautifully illustrates how healing requires finding and trusting your voice - from the initial knowing that something was wrong, to advocating for proper medical care, to asking friends for financial support, to trusting the surgery decision despite fears. Community and Support:

• Connected with Dr. Sud's practice through Laura Bowden's guidance
• Found support in BII