Being new to this I cannot decide whether this tight feeling in the morning is part of the healing process or if its restriction even though the band is empty. Either way what helps it loosen up?

A nice cup of hot coffee or hot tea works well for me..the hotter the better..

andwhen I want my band to tighten..I drink and ice cold glass of Water.

Anything cold makes everything tighter for me. I drink my water warm/hot, or at the very least at room temp. I always begin my day with something warm, and it just seems to open things up.

Gotta have coffee in the AM, but no food until after 10:00 and even then, it usually doesn't stay down.