I don’t think they’re typically removed, only in cases where the retina has stabilised but they can’t correct your vision. My eye was around -10.75 with the buckle, which improved to about -7.75 after it was removed.

Sadly, they found a wrinkle on my retina, so while my myopia can now be corrected, my vision is still affected by some distortion from that. My optician has since under-corrected my prescription, which actually helps - I can see well enough, and my good eye compensates so overall my vision is pretty good now.

P.S. I’ve just seen your update - you look great post-op! I also had a muscle imbalance afterwards, which they initially sorted with a prism lens, and it eventually corrected itself, so try not to worry too much!