How do you deal with PMS? Not mood swings or back aches but CRAVINGS? I am pretty good with restriction, but during the week to week and a half before the actual flow i can eat and be satisfied but yet eat within an hour or so later. I'm not hungry I'm craving!!!! Most of the time cravings win even if I can only eat a small amount. I hate this! I get bloated the scale goes up and my mind began to sink back to the girl I was 36lbs ago. The scale says I'm up 4lbs but I know that's not true but it bothers me. Any suggestions?

You just deal with it. Honestly you ignore it and focus on doing what you are supposed to be doing to lose weight. I went through menopause just after I got banded. My moods were out of wack and my emotions were raw. But I found other things to do except eat. You must not give in to the cravings...and it's not that hard as with the band you can eat plenty of stuff which will satisfy you. For example...

You crave chocolate... Have. sugar free pudding cup for 60 calories as a snack instead of ice cream or candy

You crave tacos,... Make a taco salad with 1 c of lettuce, 2 oz of lean beef, 1/4 c shredded cheddar and lots of salsa

You crave salt... Have 6 of the mini pretzel sticks

You crave French fries...ignore it.

All those things will fill you up...and you won't blow your diet.

I agree with FLORIDAYS. Obviously there has to be a balance, but if you deprive yourself of every craving you have, when you do eat those foods you are going to be more likely to overdo it. I now enjoying finding healthier versions of old favorites.

My periods are definitely different post band. My cramps are WAY worse, and that first day I get dizzy and light headed. My band is also very tight the first couple days of my period. Maybe I'm just weird. Haha

How about chewing gum, or drinking tea?

I also have the same issue; I started writing down the week of PMS in my calendar for two reasons (1) so I would be aware if I was eating "slider" foods and needed to be in more control and, (2) I don't weigh myself that week because I also have at least a 4 pound weight gain ~ the cravings are pretty rough ~ good luck

How about chewing gum, or drinking tea?

I love hot tea..... But be careful with gum. Swallowed gum can wreck havoc for bandsters.

Thanks ladies! It feels good to know that I'm not alone. I didnt think of alternatives because my cravings are so strong. I'm definitely going to think of the alternatives. Funny how they never come to mind!!!! Lol gonna have to make a more conscious effort. If I could erase 2 weeks out of every month I would in a heart beat! Happy losing. Love my band!

I keep a dark choclate Hershey bar in the fridge and take a peace to allievate my cravings for chocalte. You just have to be stronger than teh cravings!!Hard to do, but if its in teh cold unit an dout of mind, it isn't as hard. Good luck. Karen

I keep a dark choclate Hershey bar in the fridge and take a peace to allievate my cravings for chocalte. You just have to be stronger than teh cravings!!Hard to do' date=' but if its in teh cold unit an dout of mind, it isn't as hard. Good luck. Karen[/quote']

I've found cravings since the band are usually satisfied within two bites of food. I find the craving is much more to do with my head than my appetite.

i have found though if I do want a chocolate, I buy the smallest possible size and go for quality. I've even replaced a meal with Optifast choc Protein bar. A hot chocolate made on hot Water and powdered chocolate can also satisfy the choc craving without blowing the calories or fat count for the day.