I could post this on so many threads that I decided to make it its own. My story...I was banded in 2001 (yes, one of the first after FDA approval in the US), and have never had a single complication. I've lost 110 pounds, have felt fine, and really haven't given my band a second thought in years.

About two months ago I started having trouble swallowing and some pain in the epigastric area and under my ribs on the left side. The first thought in my mind and the first sentence out of my mouth to my doctor was "something's wrong with my band" I've had a scope, a CT, a ton of lab and x-rays, all of which were basically inconclusive except for the scope, which showed gastritis and erosive esophagitis all around my band. They put me on meds and told me it would be fine. Then the first part of this week the pain got intense and I finally demanded to be seen by my original surgeon (who doesn't do bands anymore, he made an exception). I saw him on Wednesday afternoon and was in emergency surgery by 3 pm.

What it was...I had tiny pinhole perforations of my stomach along the band that none of the other tests showed. I went through 2 months of pain and fear to find out it was what I told them on the first appointment. Another week, maybe another couple days, I wouldn't be writing this. My family would be planning my funeral.

So please, please don't be swayed if you know something's wrong. I think alot of doctors don't really understand the band and it's complications, and they try to focus on what they know how to fix. I found this forum several weeks ago when I was trying to figure it out and it was a big help. So I hope I can be helpful to others. You know your body better than the doctor does.

So the lesson is...go with your gut instinct! (pardon the pun, couldn't help myself)

Wow folks.. thanks for all the great info...I"ve developed a swelling/lump just below my left rib cage area and it's not painful but shouldn't be there. Ultrasound suggests a possible herniation devloping but going tomorrow fo hear results from doc.. xray showed band seemd place okay, but PA has no experience in that area....Surgeon is out of town, very reputable/great safety ratings, but still 2 hours away. Since this was a gradual swelling/waistline seeming a bit tighter over past few months, will also demand follow up tests : barium swallow, etc. to be sure no organs are out of place, etc. as suggested in your posts.... Thank you for your candor and info, I"ll be a very proactive patient about this issue....Since there is no pain, just pressure and an obvious lumpiness to my upper tummy area/pressure under my left rib area.. I will be a force to be dealt with...Thanks again, will let you know what I learn from uttrasound results and if more tests are needed... take good care