Yes, bananas are generally okay with a stoma and are often recommended as they help thicken output, but moderation is key, especially right after surgery, as too much can cause gas and bloating. Bananas are a good source of potassium, helping replace electrolytes, but should be eaten peeled and ripe, avoiding skins or unripe ones which can be harder to digest.
Nuts, sweet-corn, celery, mixed peel, coconut, popcorn and stringy processed cheese, or any food swallowed whole can block the stoma. If you do have these foods, make sure you chew them very well.
Tips for eating with a stoma
Chinese food has been identified to potentially cause an increase in stool frequency, along with spicy foods, strawberries, corn, apple, wine, fried and spicy foods, bananas, some breads, potatoes, fruit and fruit juices and vegetables.
Foods that may help to improve diarrhoea:
Bananas. Tapioca pudding. Cheese. Boiled milk.
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Stoma diet advice
You should be able to eat normal foods and return back to the food you enjoyed before your surgery. You may find that some foods can upset your stoma, but this may be a one off and we would advise you to try them again in a couple of weeks after surgery.
Foods that are reported to help thicken the stoma output include apple sauce, bananas, buttermilk, cheese, marshmallows, jelly babies, (boiled) milk, noodles, smooth creamy peanut butter, rice, tapioca pudding, toast, potatoes and yoghurt.
Each person's tolerance for certain fluids may vary, so it's important to monitor how different fluids affect your ostomy output and overall hydration level.
There is no reason why you can't eat pizza with a stoma. Just consider what toppings you are having on your pizza and their potential to cause odour, for example cheese.
Gently massage around your stoma and abdomen as this could dislodge the blockage. A heat pad or hot bath may help your abdominal muscles to relax. Drink plenty of fluids so that you don't become dehydrated. If your stoma is swollen, you may need to cut the hole of your stoma bag slightly larger.
Having diarrhoea will often mean that the stoma bag needs to be changed much more regularly than usual. This can mean that you go through supplies much quicker and also lead to irritation of the peristomal skin.
For the first 3 to 4 weeks after your surgery, don't eat raw fruits with the skin. Examples are: Apples Strawberries Blueberries Grapes These fruits may cause an ileostomy blockage. * For the first 3 to 4 weeks after your surgery, don't eat more than 1 small ripe banana per day.
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Root vegetables such as carrots, swedes, squash and parsnips are usually well tolerated and are delicious roasted, mashed or made into soups. Vegetable soups which have been blended and sieved are a low fibre option for people with stomas.
Bags are not drainable Usual use: 1-3 bags per day. Flushable bags only to be used on advice of bowel/stoma nurse. Colostomy bags (two piece systems) 30-90 bags + 15 flanges Bag – remove and discard after use. Flange – change every 2-3 days.
Nutritious drinks such as milk or drinks made with milk e.g. drinking chocolate, milky coffee, milkshakes and malted drinks such as Ovaltine and Horlicks can be a valuable source of energy and protein. However, in some patients these can increase your stoma or fistula output. Please discuss with your dietitian.
A prolapsed stoma can often become swollen
If the stoma remains prolapsed for long periods of time then there is more risk that it will become swollen. This is because when the stoma hangs down, fluid pools at the tip of the stoma and causes it to become swollen.
You can try eating these foods to reduce your faecal stoma output:
Minimise your risk of food blockage by: Avoiding high-fibre foods: High-fibre foods can have difficulty passing through the intestine and exiting the stoma. Don't eat raw vegetables, coconut, corn, nuts, dried fruit, popcorn or other foods with lots of fibre.
Tight clothing around your waistline and pouch area can cause pancaking as it may prevent output from sliding down into the pouch. Try sizing up for a looser fit or if you like wearing jeans give jeggings a go as these will have an elasticated waist band and leggings are looser and more comfortable.
Congee (also known as jook) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine recipe often eaten for breakfast since it is warm and easy to digest- a perfect meal for nourishing the body. Congee is also eaten during illness or recovery from illness because it's so easy to digest.
When looking for a dish, aim for a meal that contains vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats.
Main meals and snacks