Dear FinallyOnMyWay-
I am very sorry to hear that you are going thought similar experience as you. I had my lapband surgery on March 22, 2002. I was 286 pounds the day of surgery 3 months later I has lost almost 60 pounds. I was my Dr. (Dr Christine Ren) star patient. All in all at my lowest weight I was at 152 lbs. The last year and a half has been very difficult with my band, and I also have been suffering the same symptoms you have at night. At first I was not sure what was happening but I also was waking up in the morning very achy and having some difficulty breathing. When I finally went to the doctor I was diagnosed with pneumonia. I was shocked I have never been that sick! Then my doctor explained how it occurred and called it nighttime aspiration.
Long story short I am home again with pneumonia. I went to Dr. Ren on Thursday and she completely unfilled me. The most I have been filled was 2cc's. When my doctor weighed me on Thursday my weight was up to 211 lbs. I am so upset I have done everything right, go the gym, eat right. Only the last year have I begin to gain weight and also have complications from the band. Now my doctor has told me that she wants to take my band out because it is not working for me no more and perform a gastric bypass. I am very scared and I do not know what to do.
I am sorry to hear that you are going through this, but please you cannot stay this way for long. Let your doctor at least unfill the band to give you some relief.