First - I am not worried or anxious about erosion. At all. This is just me thinking out loud.

I've been wondering if band model contributes to erosion/slipping.

Pre-op when I was looking at pictures of the VG band inflated I thought, "Wow, those pillows provide a lot more surface contact than the little skinny ring those other bands have, I wonder if that helps avoid problems with erosion."

My reasoning for this -- any thin surface is more likely to "cut" than a wide surface... for example, if you rub your finger on a piece of string you're more likely to get injured than if you rub your finger on a piece of ribbon.

Just throwing it out there for conversation - what do you think?

Like you, I've been thinking about what may cause erosion...your theory sounds plausible, at least to me (untrained layperson). I still ask myself if it isn't like any condition, in which various factors are involved...some people have diabetes, some don't; some people get skin cancer, some don't...you know? I also wonder if having too much restriction for too long plays a role in erosion? Maybe the skill of the doctor?

There are just so many factors, I think the answer will remain at least somewhat in the air.

You have an interesting theory. I'm looking forward to reading everyone else's opinion on it!

Cindy