Another one for the girls...

Ok...so it's a few days before "dooms day" and I feel blah. Anyway, I'm wondering when exactly the bloat starts? Is it possible that it has already started or does the water weight only begin when you get aunt flo?? lol. Is this a stupid questions? i just don't want to cheat...trying to get real facts.

Hey! I've done a little research on the topic and asked my doc and both have come up the same: the bloat (unfortunately and oh, so unfairly) can start as soon as when ovulation occurs which is about halfway into the cycle! And then when you actually start to.... menstruate (I'm quite scientific, huh? lol) the weight gain goes down back to normal pretty quickly. Mine usually happens a week before I start and I average about 5 lbs of bloat, sometimes more or less, and its soooooo depressing! But you just have to remember that it's our once monthly curse and it's not real weight gain! Plus, I really doubt anyone notices. My boyfriend says I'm crazy and he sees me sans clothes so if he doesn't see it no one else does.

I don't even bother weighing myself near that time... and when I do, I always end up regretting it!!!  I think I start bloating (as in I can notice for myself) a few days before the actual start.  Like devonray55 said, it's not real weight so don't let yourself get down about it or make you feel like you've done something wrong. 

However, if you want to try to fight bloating during that time of the month, here's a good resouce http://fitfare.net/2007/12/07/fight-bloat-wit h-potassium-rich-foods/ ; It says to eat potassium rich foods.  I also find a little lemon in my water helps as well.  I forgot where that helps but that's my personal favorite!