Yes, you can drink fizzy drinks with a stoma, but it's generally advised to limit them as they often cause gas, bloating, and potentially looser output, especially soon after surgery or with an ileostomy; it's best to start slowly and see how your body reacts, as some people tolerate them better than others. Focus on sipping, not gulping, to reduce swallowed air, and remember that carbonated drinks (including beer/soda) and sugary/caffeinated drinks can increase output and risk dehydration.
Caffeine can increase the speed at which foods and fluids move through the bowel. Consider choosing decaffeinated drinks. Fizzy drinks and artificially sweetened drinks may cause wind/bloating/diarrhoea. Sip rather than gulp fluids as this can aid fluid absorption.
Coffee, tea, and ostomies
Coffee and tea are fine to drink with an ostomy, but caffeinated versions have the ability to dehydrate. Be careful not to use coffee or tea as a substitute for water.
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.
Sports drinks, such as Lucozade and Gatorade, are better choices as they don't cause an increase in your stoma output. They also contain electrolytes, which are lost through your stoma. To maximize fluid absorption, try to avoid drinking at mealtimes (leave a 20-minute gap) and sip rather than gulping fluids.
You should avoid fizzy drinks, as these can cause bloating and discomfort. At Step 2, your Surgeon may also allow you to have smooth soups and cold, soft desserts. Rice Krispies or cornflakes with milk.
There's no reason why you can't eat your favourite pizza when you have a stoma. Just be aware that greasy food in general can cause tummy upsets.
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.
Myth: Fish and sprouts cause more odour
It is true that some foods such as fish and sprouts produce more odour - but as the odour is concealed within your ostomy pouch, there is no reason to avoid eating things like fish or sprouts.
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.
Having a stoma shouldn't stop you from enjoying most sports or physical activities. You should avoid any extreme contact sports. There are special supports, bags and caps you can use to cover your stoma when swimming and playing sport.
If output becomes too watery or too infrequent, speak to your stoma nurse or oncology team. Chemotherapy can make the skin, including around the stoma, dry, flaky, or fragile, which may affect how well your stoma bag adheres.
Early dumping symptoms occur when concentrated sugared foods (such as hard candy, most cakes and cookies, soda, juice, table sugar) pass too quickly from the stomach into the intestine. The body dilutes this sugar by bringing fluid from the body into the intestines.
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.
How to reduce stoma output
Tips for eating with a stoma
If the bag fills unexpectedly then it could be down to a change in diet, a stomach upset or even something like nerves and stress can affect your output.
If you are using a closed bag, you may be changing it 1-3 times a day, it varies from person to person. For those with a drainable bag, particularly with a urostomy or ileostomy, you may be changing it daily or even every other day.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Clear liquid diet. Soft drinks (soda): Coke, Pepsi, 7-Up, Sprite, root beer, cream soda, Dr. Pepper, ginger ale, etc.
After the operation
Your tummy may feel bloated and sore. Ask for painkillers if you need them. You'll usually stay in hospital for around 2 to 7 days. Your stoma nurse will make sure you're comfortable wearing and changing your stoma bag before you go home.