I have been looking into banding for a couple years now. My insurance has a written exclusion that rules out everything from counseling and supplements to surgery. I went the self-pay route as so many of us have. My Doc was great. My pain is rapidly subsiding and my bruising is nearly gone. I do have some drainage (ick) but it has reduced the swelling in the port incision. So no bad there. I am still on purees. My question is about swelling.

My ankles and legs have been swelling from the large amounts of salt in the soups I have been blending. I gained a pound and a half in water weight! What have you guys done to feed yourselves during the puree stage to cut the sodium? I have been using instant breakfast and a few puddings, but that just seems like way too much sugar...eek.

And while I'm at it, any ideas for soft stuff. I can have mushies starting Tuesday.

Excited to be on the losing side for once. :flypig: Thanks everyone for making this a really great site.

Morsaille, Joy's first meal after her doctor cleared her for mushies was mashed potatoes at Chili's. She's been doing cream soups, sugar free puddings, scrambled eggs, malt o meal, oatmeal. As for the sodium and the water weight gain, just keep drinking the water. I know it sounds kinda strange, but you need the water to flush your system.

Hi Morsaille, I did protein shakes for the liquid stage and then forthe mushy stage I did flavored instant mashed potatoes, cottage cheese, pudding(sugar free), and refried beans with a little sour cream and hot sauce.

Thanks guys! I am down another couple of pounds. I gave up on soups and have increased my water intake from abundant to constant. My ankles are mine again! Oatmeal has been wonderful since the warmth keeps it from "catching". Looking forward to Cottage Cheese with some applesauce on Tuesday.

Yep - Water is the only cure for water retention due to salt... Happy to hear you have your ankles back.

Congrats on your new Band!

:]