I trying to figure out if I'm having mechanical problems or not. When I first got the band (07/2007) and before my first fill, there wasn't much difference in what I could and couldn't eat. Since then, I've experimented with various fill levels up to the point where I was throwing everything up. I've had an empty band now for months, but I still feel decent restriction and it always hurts to eat. As a result, I have become seriously maladaptive. I still have a massive appetite and eat until I feel truly full, no matter how long it takes or the pain I have to endure. I've had an upper GI, and the doctor said everything looked normal. I have an endoscopy scheduled for October 5th. Is there a chance the endoscopy could find something that could be overlooked in an upper GI, or should I resign myself to the notion that the problem is mental?

I would wait for the results of the endoscopy before I think it's totally in my head. But realize that as obese people we've all got food issues and even if we lose the weight we don't necessarily lose the food issues. Consider counseling with a doc who specializes in food/eating. I'm sure your surgeon can recommend a couple you can choose from.

it always hurts to eat. As a result, I have become seriously maladaptive. I still have a massive appetite and eat until I feel truly full, no matter how long it takes or the pain I have to endure...... Is there a chance the endoscopy could find something that could be overlooked in an upper GI, or should I resign myself to the notion that the problem is mental?

I think the odds are it's both medical and psychological. It should not, if you're unfilled, "always hurt to eat". Something is wrong. Maybe your band is too small (I think you were banded before they sized them, and if so it's possible even unfilled it's too tight for you) or maybe you have a slip or erosion, or maybe some OTHER issue (like esophageal spasms). I doubt it's in your head.

Eating until you are truly full no matter the pain...that is, as you said, maladaptive. That's "emotional" and I'd think you need to address it. Why didn't you go to the doctor when this started? If it was to lose weight, then did it work? If not, why are you doing it still? I think maybe a little counseling is in order, just my 2 cents.