I have rheumatoid arthritis and had my band June 2014, the co-morbidity meant I qualified for the band with a lower BMI. I was concerned about being on long term NSAIDS with the band but my surgeon wasn't and so far all ok . Unfortunately having a nasty flare right now but don't think it's got anything to do with the band , coincidental. The band isn't restricting yet but hopefully when I lose weight the arthritis symptoms will reduce too.