Coping with serious illness as well as band

[BirdGirlEm 1]

Hi, I am new to this site but have had my band since 9/16/2009. Immediately I had severe dehydration, part of which is related to a medical condition I had before surgery. I was assured repeatedly by two surgeons that the band would not influence my ability to drink large volumes of Water necessary to maintain my Fluid volume. I have to consume between 2-3 liters a day, often in 500 cc boluses. I was just not able to do that with the band. A month after they placed a PICC line and I have given myself daily IV fluids ever since. I am not too upset by this since the fluids actually help with my primary condition and are sometimes used to treat it regardless. But this spring, immediately after a fill, I lost all the restriction I had before. I was able to eat a small meal, feel full for hours, and not feel hungry. Now I am hungry all the time. I feel my fullness low in the belly, where my stomach is rather than high up where the band is. So there is an issue there, and I am struggling to get this resolved even as my other health problems worsen. I don't know what to do. I need my band examined but have been unable to get to the doctor's office. For instance I had an appointment today but passed out and fell down while getting ready so had to cancel. On top of this, I cannot exercise. The doctors knew this before the surgery and said it would be fine. But that doesn't appear to be the case. I have gained back 15 pounds and am so frustrated. My health has suffered from the band and I have lost all benefit and reward from having it done. Has anyone else had this experience, or dealt with the band and a serious illness as well? How do you cope?