Recipe for Good Health
Many people think that having an ostomy requires a special, restrictive diet. Think again! We have cooked up some guidelines below to help you stay healthy while still enjoying your favorite foods.
Will I be able to enjoy my favorite foods after ostomy surgery?
Immediately after surgery, you will most likely consume clear liquids. This will then be followed by a reintroduction of softer, blander foods to help your system readjust to your new ostomy. It is a good idea to reintroduce your favorite foods slowly to see how your body reacts. Once you are feeling better, and you have settled into a routine, you can start experimenting with your favorite foods.
I have heard that smaller, more frequent meals are a good idea while recovering from ostomy surgery. Is this true and why?
Smaller, more frequent meals (five or six meals per day) are recommended during your recovery. This helps to replenish protein sources that aid in the healing process and helps give you energy to keep you on the road to recovery!
How much water should I drink?
Aim to drink six to eight glasses of fluid each day to keep yourself hydrated. If you pass regular amounts of clear or pale, straw-colored urine you most likely have enough fluids in your system. If your urine becomes dark yellow or brown in color, it is wise to drink more fluids. Talk to your healthcare professional about any fluid restriction diets.
I have an ileostomy—what foods might cause me problems?
After ileostomy surgery, most people will gradually resume their usual diet. Caution should be taken when introducing high-fiber foods as they may cause a food blockage. Some foods that can contribute to a blockage include: Chinese vegetables, corn, celery and nuts. It is important to know that you should chew food thoroughly and eat slowly.
I am watching my calorie intake. What are my best choices for a healthy dinner?
You should make healthy food and beverage choices from all five food groups including grains, vegetables, fruits, protein foods and dairy to ensure a well-balanced diet. You should eat the right amount of calories based on your age, gender, height, weight and physical activity level.
I tend to have loose output. What foods and fluids can help with this?
Foods that help to thicken loose output include: applesauce, bananas, cheese, cooked noodles, pretzels, white rice, white toast and marshmallows.
Our office is very small and I worry about passing gas though my stoma, especially after lunch. Is there a way to lessen this?
To help reduce the amount of gas you are producing, you should be aware of the foods that may increase intestinal gas. Those foods include: beans, beer, carbonated beverages, broccoli, brussel sprout, cabbage, onions and cucumbers. Gas can also be the result of swallowing air. Drinking carbonated beverages, smoking, chewing gum and chewing with your mouth open can all increase the amount of air you swallow.
I have been experiencing some constipation with my colostomy. Is this normal, and are there ways to naturally unblock me?
Just like for someone without a stoma, constipation can be a common problem. A person with a colostomy, not an ileostomy, may suffer from constipation. You may want to increase the amount of water you drink (if you are not on a fluid-restricted diet). Foods that naturally help alleviate constipation include: bran, fresh fruits and vegetables, some spices, stone fruits (fresh and dried) and whole grains.
I have read that people with an ileostomy may have a blockage. What causes this and how can I minimize my risk?
If you have an ileostomy, cramping and abdominal pain along with watery diarrhea or no stool output may indicate a food blockage or bowel obstruction. This can occur when high-fiber foods (such as raw vegetables, coconut, corn, nuts, dried fruit and popcorn) have difficulty passing through the intestine and exiting the stoma. Reducing high-fiber foods, chewing foods thoroughly and increasing fluid intake can minimize food blockage risk.
Note: If you have no stoma output and have vomiting, it is important that you seek care from your healthcare professional or seek care at an emergency room for evaluation.
Have a question that wasn’t answered here? Check out a helpful new brochure from Hollister Incorporated. Living with an Ostomy: Healthy Eating. Or call us today at 1.888.808.7456.