Hi folks - I was taking aquaban for about 7 days before my TOTM. I have ALWAYS suffered water retention (fat feet, hands and cankles!) since about age 20 and even when I was a v.slim size 12. It helps release fluid from the body, so is a form of diuretic. I stopped taking it when I started doing SS+. Amazingly, apart from one instance I have had NO water retention whatsoever, even pre TOTM, since starting CD. I am fast becoming convinced that carbs were the cause of my water retention - living without the swelling is sooo liberating - just one nice downside is that my shoes are now too big!! Hope this helps. Tx