Any way to help keep a piercing open?

[dejaentendu0]

Long story short: I don't have my ears pierced because no matter how long I keep them in for, if I take them out, they close within an hour.
I got my tongue pierced over the summer and I love the piercing. I'm not SUPPOSED to have piercings at my job, but two of my managers don't care.
Today, I had the one that cared.

I only took my tongue ring out for four hours and I had to come home and repierce the bottom to get it back in. /:
I'm going tomorrow before work to buy a retainer - so hopefully I can just wear that and he won't complain about anything. BUT even switching barbells is a little tight because the hole wants to close up.
Is there any trick at all I can use to loosen the hole up just a little bit or KEEP it from closing as fast as it does?
Surely someone else has to have the same problem as me...

[Lizzybeth5509]

At most parlors you can get small "plugs" that are really clear small studs. I have my lower lip periced(snakebites) but I have to take them out for gymnastics. There around $15 per pair.

[Nicole!]

When you switch barbells, try and line them up (have them touching) so as you slide one out the other slides in right after it. I have to do this sometimes with my piercings and it helps a lot.