I have had my lapband for 1 1/2 years. Things are going wonderful and I am 20 lbs from my goal weight. I have a 4cc band and had another fill of just 0.2cc a month and half ago to help 'tweak' the weight loss. I had the same restriction as before the fill - I was having trouble in the mornings (tightness) but the band usually loosened up in the afternoon and I was eating like a champ in the evening. (Some days overeating, some days being health freak, but absolutely no problems with PB'ing or golfballing - and yes I am very familiar with those uncool friends). I was almost going to visit the Dr. to get another fill because of the lack of restriction. Then, one day when I awoke - my band was tight per the usual thing in the am - however, it never loosened in the afternoon. 1 week went by and EVERYTHING was killing me (water, juice, ice chips). Then, on the 5th day when Im freaking out and picking up the phone to call the Dr. to get unfilled - and the band relaxes! I ate and drank merrily. Then the next day I was tight tight TIGHT!

My questions are:

Why is this happening NOW? Its like the band has its own personality.

Does anyone have any secrets on how to get the band to 'relax' to its 'usual' daily behavior? I have tried hot tea and ended up PBing that (sorry, coffiee is nasty stuff so will not drink it). I have heard about meat tenderizer and Water in another blog - are you kidding me???? (but if it helps!)

I am getting desperate - By the way - I have been filled tighter before - I unfilled 1/2cc for the hot summer months to keep hydrated and filled again (only 0.2cc) to start things slow. So I am not filled where I was this spring.

Weird Science for sure!

My band has the exact same pattern. It gets tight and then lose. It has a mind of it's own. My doc said that hormones from your period can change how tight it is and that it is normal. I have noticed that right before my period I am not as restricted. Congrats on being so close to your goal!

You will find that there are alot of things that effect the tightness of the band. For me..if I get just a little bit stressed...I can't eat anything (although I can still drink)! Or if I get sick..I get the same way..probably cause I'm also stressed out cause I'm sick. Also around my period week..is a definite tight week. Basically everyone is individual. There is the difference though of something stuck..versus just a tight band. Make sure that you can at least drink with a tight band or you have major issues. You will learn through the years how to precisely work with your band. Trust me

One trick for losening myself up before food is drinking tea..or having a bowl of Soup. Really helps. Besides the soup helps fill u up..just make sure its not a creamy one. Loveeee egg drop soup..hehe