starving during period (for women)

I got my band on March 9, 2011.  I have lost about 35 pounds.  My problem is that recently I've gained 5 pounds back and I know it is due to my eating habits.  I try to be compliant but a few days before my period starts I am starving.  I crave salt, sweets, etc.  Once I take one bite it is hard to stop.  I fell like I revert to my habits before the band.  Another problem is that I have been getting stuck more recently.  So I have been drinking water with my meals so it helps go down easier.  Maybe I need an unfill?  I have 6 cc in my realize band.  I was filled 3 weeks ago and finally felt some restriction but I don't like getting stuck!  Do any women have advice for how I can keep my cravings in check?  Do you think I need an unfill or is it my fault because of the way I am eating? It may also be first bite syndrome because after a few bites it always gets better.  Any advice would be appreciated.  Thanks, Josie

P.S.  I know I need to upload a picture but I haven't figured out how.  I will get something up soon.

Josie, we are all in the same boat!  Lots of women have eating problems about a week before their period.  Plan your eating.  Some people find for the sweet craving, the chocolate protein shakes work pretty well.  They satisfy the sweet thing  AND have protein.  For the salty, try a pickle, or if that just won't do the trick, stop at an in-and-out market or Subway and get a smal, individual bag of chips.  Count them in your food calories.  We ALL screw up at times, but every day is a new day.  And as Weigh****ers says, "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail." OK, so you messed up.  Tomorrow is a new day.  YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!!  Good Luck. 

Thanks Debbie!  I appreciate your feedback.  Josie

Hi Josie,

I know exactly what you are going through !!  I am so not a sweets eater I can keep donuts, candy , anything sweet in my house all the time expect for the week before my period and then watch out I will eat everything that is sweet *sigh*.

I crave pizza, salt and sweets during that week. I just went through this last week . 

I have learned from my experience if I want something especially during this time I just go and eat it .  If I want sweets I eat it , because if I dont then I will eat everything else trying to satisfy that craving and then I end up eating more then I would have if I just went and got what I wanted if that makes sense lol.

And I'm always hungry before my period also nothing seems to fill me up and nothing taste good that week either .

I just try to stay on track as best as I can that week .

You sound like me this week!  I wanted everything and I have 10cc my Realize band.  I did what someone else stated.  I counted my chocolate into my calories.  Unfortunately, a chocolate bar was one of my meals for three days straight!  I'm not suggesting you do this, but now I'm not wanting chocolate and the monthly monster is gone!

I would also suggest that you not weigh yourself, if possible, before, during, and right after your cycle.  I've noticed that I get very discouraged.  Most of the time, the weight gain is from your cycle and will disappear a few days after it's gone.  I know to the exact day my period will start so I don't weigh around that time.  Don't be discouraged!  Wait a few days and weigh again.

I'm actually going through the same thing this week - my thing is salt! I'll have a few pretzels - and that'll usually do the trick. As far as your stuck episodes - I absolutely CANNOT drink when I eat. It packs the food down and it will get stuck!

Thanks everyone for your responses!  It is Tuesday morning and my period is now over.  Feeling much better.  I found that long walks help clear my mind.  I usually exercise 4-5 times per week but last week I had no motivation.  My hormones were crazy!  When I did exercise, though, I felt a lot better.  Thanks for the response.  I'm checking in before work and it put a smile on my face to know I can come here for support.  Josie