New Ostomate here. Questions about diet. Any experience welcome to respond.

[GoldenJenks]

Hello fellow Ostomates.

I'm new here. I went in to the hospital with high fever and stomach pain. I was diagnosed with Diverticulitis, had to have surgery and a was found to have a severe infection in my gut along with a hole in my colon. I now have a Colostomy bag for the forseeable future and I'm fairly lost on what to put in the house to eat. Any information of things that digest well or things to stay away from would be so helpful. I have a folder with a lot of information, but a lot of it is contradictory or I'm just plainly confused. I appreciate any and all help. Thank you!

[Shamrock4806]

I'm not familiar with a colostomy as I have an illeostomy concerning diet but I suspect we are similar because we both need to stay away from foods that cause clumping or constipation as that can cause pancaking which can force the wafer off. So more liquid like stool is ideal for the both of us.

Unfortunately the colon is likely still in effect in your case so it should be retracting water from the stool, just it seems like your issue is better resolved by seeing an ostomy dietician and perhaps your doctor for meds to create looser more fluid stool.

I hope that helps.

[meady61]

Try to avoid seeds, nuts, popcorn, and spicy stuff. Drink plenty of water and take small bites. It gets better with time.

[GeorgeS]

I have a colostomy. Initially I was told to use laxatives to help the new surgery along without issues of constipation. However, I find it more necessary the older I get. I have backed off actual laxatives and moved to Benefiber or Metamucil 15-30 mins before meals as I also have higher bad cholesterols.

Anyway, I eat just about anything I ever ate pre-surgery. I eat seeds, nuts, popcorn, Dave's Hot Chicken even! So you'll find here that everyone is different; nobody's ostomy is the same.

I have cut out multi-vitamins or any of these pill types that contain fillers now. I've heard others having had blockage due to these so, I'm experimenting without them.

[ot dave]

You're correct George. Each ostomy is different. I have a colostomy, and the day after my surgery, in the hospital, they served me fried catfish! I think it was a mix up on what the diet should have been, but I was able to handle it without any issues. I was able to resume a regular diet after surgery with no issues. That said, over the years, I have learned what foods my cause me "ostomy" issues, but I am able to eat a regular diet.

[Shamrock4806]

As a high volume ileostomy I have to carefully watch what I eat and how much less I clog, have gas, ot endless diarrhea or constipation forcing the wafer off.

It's not been easy but now I've finally got it under control. I just stick to my limited list and that's it.

It's so disheartening that I can no longer go out for sushi or steak dinners anymore because either I can't eat it or I can't fill up, have to eat just a small portion and take the rest home to eat later.

I finish before everyone else, I can't have alcohol nor any desert.

I'm such the party pooper now.

[Mara]

I have had my ileostomy for decades and I guess I know without thinking what to eat or not eat....if I am out with friends which is somewhat common at this time as I am out of the country and seeing friends in Japan - I just chew very carefully so as not to have any issues. And sometimes when we discuss the menu i just say I don't want whatever it is that may make a problem....

At home I eat what I think is a normal diet - I stay away from things like nuts or certain fruits and vegetables that are more difficult to chew.