I get a charlie horse type muscle pain about twice a year and it hurts horribly for several minutes but otherwise nothing.

You CAN go to another specialist who does WLS to have it checked.  New insurance regulations allows for this now thankfully.

Recovery was about the same time as when put in but less pain. I was eating regular food about a week out. They had me start on liquids then full liquids for a couple more days then soft, a couple of days and then regular as tolerated.

Mine used to pull and I was always numb in the area around it, I was told scar tissue caused the pulling and sometimes pain and nerve damage caused the numbness

That all sucks and that doctor should be reported.  You definitely need to get a second opinion. 

And DO NOT get the band refilled.  I understand that you are gaining, but the damage that can be done if you refill your band could make it were the band has to come out and you will no longer be able to get any other WLS.  Not worth risking it. 

Maybe take a look at the sleeve and bypass forums where they post "what are  you eating today".  It may help you to plan your meals so you can nip the gaining in the butt.  See what others are eating and how much of it they have at a meal.  Until you can get this figured out try tracking what and how much you eat daily. 

Wow I don't even know where to start!!!So sorry you have been put in this position and I hope the other doc can give you a better option to fix this. The esophagus is very delicate and easily damaged by the band as I found out I have some loss of swallowing strength from my band and it wasn't even very tight. You are best off if you can leave it empty so it doesn't cause anymore damage, if you were having spasms it was too tight so try to leave it open if you can. At this point you want to try not to cause anymore damage. I have never heard of this situation and it makes me wonder what is up with your original surgeon for him to be so misguided in his thinking. I would NOT go back to him at all, he sounds quite dangerous!

If I were you I would stay on liquids until you see the revision surgeon and see what he says. Maybe stick with protein drinks so you are getting your vitamins and protein in. At this point I wouldn't worry about weight gain, you have bigger problems to worry about with your band. Just stick with liquids and get in to the other doc as soon as you can. The less solid food you can eat the better off your esophagus will be. I know a few people who have lost their stomachs because of band damage and others that can't swallow anymore and have to be tube fed because their esophagus is so damaged so this isn't something to mess around with!