How does TTOTM affect weight loss??

I've been reading so much on here where people gain and say "oh, it's TTOTM".  I'm just wondering when this 'gain' is supposed to happen in your cycle. The week before you start? The day you start? and when does this gained weight go away?

I'm asking because I've never noticed this gain, but I usually have a big loss the week I start. I still have 33 pounds to lose, though. Maybe I will be more prone to gaining weight at TTOTM when I am closer to my goal?

I'm just wondering how it all works.

Generally, most women gain a little either right before TOM or right when it starts.  It's just water weight, because hormones can make one retain water.  It doesn't really effect weight loss.  One just retains a little extra water for a few days, then it dissapears.  If you are very well hydrated, then perhaps you aren't retaining even at TOM.  Me, I used to gain 5-10 pounds from water retension, but now that I am properly hydrated, it's more like 1.5 lbs.

Hmm...I always drink a lot of water - maybe 3 litres a day (100 oz) more when I'm at work.

Do those of you who gain get cramps? I don't. Just a little bloating and a bit of nausea...and of course I get C-R-A-N-K-Y!

i don't get cramps either, but i do bloat.. especially a week or so before my actual period. i also get really cranky, haha. it's perfectly normal to gain some weight when you're pmsing. once you get back to normal, your weight will go down as the bloat/water weight sheds.

The week after is really nice, though, because you see the water weight go away and the scale finally shows you the 'real' pounds you lost while you were bloated. 

That monthly visit flat out sucks. :) I've always gained 4-5 pounds like 3 days before it starts, and get constipated too. THen like 3 days into it I drop the water weight and everything. After having kids I now have the same thing happen in the middle of my cycle, when I ovulate. So I basically have a big gain and loss twice a monthly. OH the perks of being a woman....