Sorry fellas, I think this may be a ladies-only type of question!! I noticed in the last couple of days that my band has felt more restricting. I haven't had a fill recently, and in fact, I am supposed to be getting one on Tuesday, Feb 7th (which now, I am figuring that we will just put-off for another month or so). My last fill was December 17th and it was 3cc in my 10cc band. This is the only fill I have had.

I just noticed in the last couple of days (yesterday and today) that I am having trouble getting solids down. Either they will get stuck completely, they come back up, or I have to wait a while for them to go down. When I do get solids down without a problem, they are usually mushier solids (like fluffy eggs, cheese, yogurt, Soups, etc). Well, today I got my period, and I wonder if there is a correlation between getting your period, and the tightening of the band?

If not, does anyone know of any other reason why all of a sudden I might be having difficulties? band slipping? I will check with my doc on Tuesday at my appt, but I figured I would ask the forum first!

Thanks everyone!

My surgeon told me that your menstrual cycle can definitely impact your bad and how tight it feels. During that time of the month your body retains Fluid and just like you feel your hands and feet get bloated the inside of your body does the same thing and puts additional pressure on the band.

My cycle has been all out of whack lately and we think it contributed to some recent problems I have had. Had to go from 4.5cc down to 2.8 in order to not be sick.

I understand that is common from lots of people that I talk to. Stress will also tighten up the band too.

I definitely feel everything tighten up when my period is coming. Usually around day 3 it let's up. Good news is that it keeps me from chowing down on the sweet stuff I crave around that time.

While I tend to feel full for longer during TOM I feel like a bottomless pit when I am eating. All about measuring your food and not taking seconds.

I wish mine would feel tighter around that time! I swear mine gets looser! Lol!

It happens to me every month! At ovulation, too.

Any time your body swells your band will feel tighter. This is a great time to workout! If you're moving and sweating out some of that fluid, it will really help. Even if you're just doing a brisk walk, you'll see a difference. Watch your sodium intake, too. It shouldn't last more than a few days. If it does, you may want to consider a slight unfill.

Mine loosens up about a week to ten days before, then tightens back up again. Stupid PMS!

I use my TOM to my advantage and stick to protein drinks for 2-3 days. I also never get a fill within a week of when TOM is due...I always opt to get it afterwards.