2004 NEVER A FILL

I agree the band is already TOO tight if you can't eat in the morning.  The only way to lose with it is to follow the band friendly diet.

Have you tried using your own scale.  It may not agree with everyone else but, you can track your weight your self so you know if you are gaining or not.  I weigh every am after using the restroom and in all my glory.  That way I get uniform results.  Even if you just pick on day a week or a month, weigh on your scale and track your weight and journal what you are eating.  Journaling what you eat sure can be eye opening.

its been so long i honestly need to learn it all over

The no drinking with meals rule has changed since you were banded. From about 2009/10 onwards, doctors have been telling people it is OK. Research has shown that food not only does not stay above the band it also should not! Well chewed food moves through in under a minute. So as long as you wait after swallowing, drinking with food is OK. I have been doing it ever since my doc gave me the new information, back in 2010. It has no effect whatsoever on my feelings if "fullness". A few doctors still teach people not to drink, rather concerning that they are not keeping up with research! 

If you cannot eat until late morning, your band is having an effect. It is very common for this to happen and not necessarily a sign of a problem. But it may probably mean that rather than getting a fill, you need to learn to use your band. 

You need to see a bariatric professional and learn the basics.

They still have a no drinking policy with the band here Kate.  They are also saying the same for all the WLS.  And for dieting as a whole.  Your the first I've hear tell this.  Now that you mentioned it I will be more aware and looking out to see if it is changing here.  TY for the info!

Kate,

My doc mentioned the 'relaxed rule' about eating and drinking to me, but my personal experience is that when I drink while eating, I CAN and DO eat more.

Plain and simple ... And over the past year have bounced up about 13 pounds .... So, for me, it is back to no liquids with meals .. And for at least 30 minutes after.

Personal experience trumps research for me on this one.

Recent endoscopy shows my band to be happily placed and offering adequate restriction ... So I don't need a fill .. Just a behavior modification!!  ( and kick inthe 'arse'as you might say!!!!!

Personal experience does indeed trump everything! We all need to find our own way.  As a matter of interest, my personal experience of being a happy and successful bandster is echoed by the vast majority of those I know in real life. How is your own exoerience of that? 

So you waited 10 years to use your band?  Your better off just getting it out and going with another WLS.  Yup I know that is harsh, but why anyone would get a band and then not even attempt to use it is beyond me.  If you knew you were going to be moving around with your husband again why bother getting it?  Because you won it? 

Oh and I had my band done in '03 in Mexico and I had no problems finding a follow up doctor here in the states.  I was given all the information regarding my surgery in MX and was able to give it to my follow up doctor.   

I can almost gurantee there will be issues with the band.  I bet you have scar tissue which is causing the tightness in the morning.  If I were you I would be getting things looked at pretty darn quick.  Making excuses as to why you haven't seen a doctor will just lead to more issues.