Yes, you can eat mince pies with a stoma, but they're high in fibre from dried fruit and nuts, which can cause blockages or watery output, especially with an ileostomy; enjoy small portions, chew thoroughly, and consider alternatives or recipes without fruit/nuts if you're sensitive, always checking with your Stoma Care Nurse first.
Foods that may cause constipation or blockage:
Vegetables with skins or stalks such as celery, peas or sweetcorn. Fruit with skins, seeds, pips. Wholegrain cereal such as All Bran, Weetabix, porridge or muesli. Wholegrain or granary bread.
Here are two recipes with pasta, a failsafe for me when I need to thicken my stoma output. I love to have mushrooms in my Bolognese but with that and celery, I was a bit wary of it at first - until I decided to try blitzing the veg et voila!
Lean, very tender, well-cooked poultry, fish, beef, pork or lamb (If you have a stricture or colostomy, slow cook any meats until soft, then chop.)
You may find fresh fruit upsets your stoma; tinned fruit can be a better choice. While protein is an important aspect of your diet, large pieces of red meat such as steak are hard to digest, so lean mince or fish may be a better option.
This Bariatric-Friendly Turkey Meatloaf is a great meal option for people who've had bariatric surgery. It's high in lean protein and low in carbs, which is so important after weight loss surgery. The mix of protein, healthy fats, and non-starchy veggies gives you important nutrients without too many calories.
Yes, you can absolutely eat pizza with an ostomy bag! Of course, there are a few things to consider and keep in mind. For starters, many people with ostomies must be mindful of high-fiber foods like vegetables that the digestive system may not tolerate well.
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.
Tips for eating with a stoma
Skin irritation around your stoma is usually caused by leakage from your ostomy pouch and the output from your stoma getting underneath the adhesive and onto your skin. It is uncomfortable and can stop your pouch from working well. The skin around your stoma should look similar to the skin on the rest of your body.
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.
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.
Festive food choices
Christmas recipes contain lots of of currants, sultanas and nuts, like mince pies and Christmas pudding which are not be ideal for people living with an ileostomy. It's probably okay to enjoy these in small amounts and thus reduce the risk of an upset bowel but I find it's better to avoid them.
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.
Ensuring protein rich foods are included at each meal to aid healing these include meat, fish, cheese, milk, yoghurts and vegetarian alternatives such as Quorn, Tofu and tempeh. Including high calorie snacks such as biscuits, cakes, crisps, cheese and biscuits, yoghurts, mousses, milk puddings.
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.
Tough cuts of meat, such as steak and pork chops, can become problematic for ostomates and it is recommended to avoid them if you have a stoma. This is due to the increase in risk of blockages and irritation around the stoma site, similar to high fibre foods.
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.
Being vegetarian and having a stoma can sometimes be tricky, this recipe is balanced to provide your required nutrients while being gentle on your digestion. This is a basic lasagne recipe, that can be adapted to add in different flavours, vegetables or even made vegan with a few swaps.
Stoma dietary tips for the early days
You are likely to have lost weight following your surgery. It is important to increase your intake of calories, fat and protein to aid your body's healing process. In addition to your normal diet, you should look to include the following foods: Full fat milk and cheese.
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.
Soft Food List
Recognizing Signs of Stomach Stretching
Feeling hungrier during the day more than usual could mean that your stomach pouch is stretching out.
After full liquids, you will advance to the puree phase for two weeks. A typical meal during this period could include dishes like pureed chili, pureed cottage cheese, thinned Greek yogurts, low-fat ricotta with marinara (such as a noodle-free lasagna), and high-protein puddings.