Kris, I didn't see anyone answered this, so I'll give it a shot..
First..after you flashed Kang Bang, did you do the *228 option 1 and 2 to reset your phone with the towers/verizon.. (always a good bet if you flash a new rom/kernel, as it doesn't hurt only helps)
If you didn't, then I would try that..
THEN,
sign out of gmail, clear the gmail data/cahe in applications, then sign back in..refresh..
You might also try the stock email client, (not gmail app) and see if you get better luck with that..
good luck
I did the *228 after flashing update 1.1 just because and that didnt make it work. Turned out the sync box was not checked under settings. Thank you for the input it gave me a place to start.