I've experienced this a couple times now, and I know I have read that others experience a *massive* restriction around 'that time of the month'. Like clockwork - I sure do.

But I don't know why - does anyone actually know why this happens?

I'm not really upset - it's kind of helpful

I would suggest it has something to do with how your body retains Water during that time. That's my doc's explanation anyway. The tissues in the core of your body are holding water and that makes the band tighter.

However.....this doesn't explain why I (and many others) feel WIDE OPEN around "that time". I retain a TON of water. However, it may just be about where your body chooses to hold the fluids. For me I can eat anything for almost two weeks out of the month, then once my "visitor" leaves, like overnight, boop, I get my restriction back.

I didn't realize that some people felt 'wide open' - I had only heard the opposite. It's actually quite amazing - and it feels like what it should feel like. For the most part, if I chew really good, I can eat a pretty good amount - like a whole kids happy meal. But, I guess that's still *good* because prior to this, I could eaten a bic mac meal from McDonalds.

I am losing slowly but surely. After the initial surgery pounds fell off with the liquid Protein diet (but I missed food). Now, I eat less, it feels better (although I confess - I have taken up a bad habit - that double 16 oz iced mocha (light on the chocolate). It's terrible - and I'm so ashamed - but I just love those things. I think it's kept me from losing what I might be losing - what is wrong with me that I can't stop!

Unfortunatley I'm one of the "wide open" one's. I've decided not to fight it though. I get so sick with my period that every once in awhile I just need ice cream so that I can function. not the best I know but I only eat that one time of the month.

I can't wait for my period to be over so my restriction comes back!

I am quite restricted around AF. I was astounded though when I was briefly pregnant earlier this year that my band suddenly felt "wide open" - as soon as I wasn't pregnant anymore I went right back to being restricted again. All without any external adjustments/fills. It was weird. The OTHER weird thing was that I *was* bloated while pregnant but the band was still wide open feeling, so my personal hypothesis is that this kind of restriction must be hormonally induced and reduced (as the case may be).

My_oh_my why are you thinking that the mocha is a bad thing? Other that being a weak double and not the proper quad... (4 shots). That double mocha you are drinking, if you are using skim milk and not having a breve, has about 160 calories. But you have these nutrients, so I'm thinking it's a good thing

Potassium 506.74mg 14%

Protein 10.43g 21%

Calcium 38% <o =""></o>

Vitamin D 31% <o =""></o>

Vitamin B-12 19%