Weight-loss diet for Ileostomy

[Ed1948]

Any suggestions? I am scheduled for hip replacement surgery in December. Hip pain has kept me from my exercise classes. I'm the heaviest I have ever been at 265 lbs.

[jstl]

I don't have anything to suggest regarding diet, but for exercise, would something like chair yoga or seated exercise classes be options for you? You may not use as many calories as you might with other forms of exercise, but it's a way to keep moving within limits.

[ot dave]

Count the calories. It's honestly just math...which nobody likes! You have to burn more calories than you consume in order to lose weight. A good low impact activity is swimming. It reduces gravity on your joints, and it consumes a lot of energy to do.

David

[Rock_Robster]

My dad got a lot of benefit from hydrotherapy classes before he had his hip replacements - also helps to strengthen the muscles before surgery which makes for easier rehab afterwards.

Personally I lost a lot of weight on the keto diet (ie very low carb, higher protein and good fats) but I haven’t tried it with an ostomy. I guess how well it suits would depend on what you’re able to safely eat now. You could do a modified version perhaps, a low carb diet with no added sugars (eg soft drinks, etc), and significantly increase protein and cooked vegetable intake.

Ultimately as has been said it’s all about maintaining a calorie deficit, but eating very filling foods (proteins, good fats and complex carbs like potato) will make that a lot more pleasant than trying to do calorie restriction while consuming simple carbohydrates like sugar.

Best of luck,
Rob

[xctm1]

I have an ileo and also got my weight up to about 270. After being diagnosed with type II diabetes, I realized I had to do something. Low carb/low fat/no sugar/no pre-packaged foods. My back precludes me from heavy exercise but I get physical therapy from Medicare 3 times a week and it's like going to the gym with a personal trainer. Medicare will allow it forever as long as my doc says it's necessary. BTW, I am down to 130 and no longer taking diabetes meds. Lots of veggies and meat with good fats. Good luck, Larry

[Ed1948]

270 down to 130 that's really impressive.

[Diane C]

270 to 130! WOW! I'm struggling now, too. I lost about 5 recently but have about 35 to go. I thought about Dr. Stephen Gundry's food plan (online) but too difficult. I'm not cooking enough. I tend to buy frozen veggies and pretty healthy food tho not organic at Trade Joe's but organic chicken at Whole Food$. I'm finding I can eat just about anything with my ileo -- even raw fruit. I definitely must exercise or dance more -- enjoy swing or tap -- or just WALK! Every day, I say I'll exercise... and belong to a gym. I had PT and was advised to take classes before hiring a personal trainer to get into the groove. Maybe that order is off.

Several folks I know had succcess with Noom. Think I will buy that behavior mod program. It used to be easy but I have MUCH output with my ileo even with Immodium 2x/day -- and a LOT of gas -- probably small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. That does affect how and when I eat. Portion control is key. I'm not meaning to follow intermittent fasting but find I don't eat breakfast for hours -- it's more like brunch or lunch. I need to stay off the computer or get addicted. Oddly -- not my phone! Want to eat a good breakfast and get out or work at home. Not employed right now so schedule is murky which does not help.

I once did Weight Watchers with much success but crave carbs and need more discipline and activity. Had a few health setbacks I've meant to report but didn't get to post that yet.

Diane C

[xctm1]

Whoa, I truly meant to write 230 not 130, I haven't been 130 since 2nd grade, a "husky" young man.

[Diane C]

AH! Now that makes more sense. So much for tech and typos! Still, it's great that you lost this weight. You are healthier! Good luck!

Diane C.

[MtnMama]

I'm glad to see this question (& replies). It's hard to reconcile what we're told is Good For You (fresh fruits & veg, whole grains, high fiber, no refined carbs, etc.) with what works for an ileostomy (especially a high output ileostomy and especially if, like mine, one prone to excruciatingly painful blockages).

Foods recommended to help slow down output and help avoid blockages (BRAT: bananas, white rice, applesauce, low fiber toast; maybe yogurt if you're not lactose intolerant; plus pasta, creamy peanut butter, cheese, etc.) seem like the opposite of weight loss foods (eg. kale, flaxseed, beans, mushrooms, citrus, etc.).

I've been experimenting with green smoothies & pureed veg & soups as ways to get the nutrition of foods that are "Good For You" while accommodating what is Good/Safe For Me. Then, with all my focus on food, I can lose sight of balancing adequate vs excess intake and having energy to be appropriately active day to day. On days when I feel good I can tend to overdo it and then be too tired the next day to do anything. Oy.

(This is not a new concept for me. I suspect I'm not alone in this struggle.)

Good suggestions above. I hope to see more. Good luck to all!

[MelanieCh]

My dad got a lot of benefit from hydrotherapy classes before he had his hip replacements - also helps to strengthen the muscles before surgery which makes for easier rehab afterwards.

Personally I lost a lot of weight on the keto diet (ie very low carb, higher protein and good fats) but I haven’t tried it with an ostomy. I guess how well it suits would depend on what you’re able to safely eat now. You could do a modified version perhaps, a low carb diet with no added sugars (eg soft drinks, etc), and significantly increase protein and cooked vegetable intake.Pour la plupart des personnes en bonne santé, un régime riche en protéines n'est généralement pas nocif, surtout s'il est suivi pendant une courte période. Ces régimes peuvent vous aider à perdre du poids parce qu'ils vous font sentir plus rassasié.

Ultimately as has been said it’s all about maintaining a calorie deficit, but eating very filling foods (proteins, good fats and complex carbs like potato) will make that a lot more pleasant than trying to do calorie restriction while consuming simple carbohydrates like sugar.

Best of luck,
Rob

Hello,

Now I have the same problem. I just had hip surgery and I'm afraid that the inactivity will make me fat. So I'm going to start some kind of diet to try and keep the weight off for now at least.

Do you finally think that a diet rich in protein will help me keep the weight off?