One major issue to watch out for with a stoma is the laxative effect of some chocolates. The caffeine and fibre within the chocolate can increase the rate of motility (which is the contraction of the muscles in the digestive tract that encourage bowel movements).
I avoid coconut and most gummy things. Chocolate (yes, please), peanut butter cups, m & m's, malted milk balls, chocolate covered raisins (just a few), jelly beans--these are all things I enjoy. Candy corn is my Halloween weakness. I've already eaten a bag of it.
You also can use odour-proof ostomy bags or special deodorants for the bags. If gas is a problem, limit or avoid beans, cabbage, onions, beer, carbonated drinks, strong cheese (like aged chesses or blue cheese), coffee, spinach, raw fruits, and sprouts.
Foods to limit
High-fat milk and dairy products, such as: Whole milk. Regular ice cream or sherbet.
Many pizzas are also high in fat which doesn't work well after colostomy or ileostomy surgery. You can minimize pain and food blockage risks by ordering a fresh pizza from a local pizza place. This will also give you more control over customizing your pizza crust, cheese, meat, vegetables, sauce, and other toppings.
You can eat whatever you want if you have an ostomy
If you've been given the OK from your doctor to resume your regular diet, eat what you like.
Stoma dietary tips for the early days
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.
Keeping hydrated is an important aspect of living with a stoma. For many people it is just making sure you are drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day. You should try to drink 6-8 glasses of water each day along with any other drinks such as tea or coffee.
Stool irritation, product sensitivity and yeast are certainly the more common reasons for redness around the stoma.
Take time to eat slowly and chew your food well. Smaller meals with frequent snacks and nourishing drinks between meals. Regular intake of food and fluids to help achieve optimal colostomy function. Minimise high intakes of caffeine from tea, coffee, and fizzy drinks, and alcohol.
A good colostomy diet during the first few weeks after surgery may include yogurt (with live and active cultures). However, not all dairy produce will be allowed. Other foods that colostomy patients tolerate well are bananas, tapioca, sticky white rice, and white toast.
Drinking enough fluid is important for your ostomy to work properly and to avoid being dehydrated. Fluid includes water and other liquids such as milk, coffee, tea, broth, and soup. Drink more fluids after you're active and when it's hot outside.
In the wake of a colostomy, consider consuming some of these foods: The live and active cultures in yogurt are good for a recovering digestive system. Cranberries, bananas, and applesauce. White toast and well-cooked white rice.
Blood sugar levels may rise after surgery, so it is advisable to avoid foods that are high in refined sugar such as cakes, cookies, chocolate, sweetened drinks and soft drinks.
The low fibre versions are better tolerated so try white bread, breakfast cereals like rice krispies or cornflakes, white rice/pasta, and avoid skins on potatoes. These provide protein, vitamins and minerals which is essential for health and repair of body tissues.
If the stoma is swollen then the swelling can be reduced by using either a cold compress or sugar. The sugar works by drawing out fluid from the swollen stoma so helping to reduce the size. Be aware that as the sugar draws fluid out of the stoma you will end up with a syrupy fluid in the bag.
Minimize your risk of food blockage by: Avoiding high-fiber foods: High-fiber 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 fiber.
your bag bursts because of excessive gas accumulation. Today, InnerGood is going to expand (no pun intended) on this subject to provide you with insight into preventive measures that you can take.
Many people enjoy leaving their skin uncovered for 15 to 30 minutes after taking their pouching system off. This is called a skin break. Taking a skin break can help with irritation or keep it from happening. You can decide if you want to take a skin break.
Look for jeans made with 1 or 2 % spandex.
A little bit of stretch helps accommodate your pouch as it fills without restriction. Patterned bottoms (pants, skirts or dresses) can trick the eye and camouflage any potential visible pouch outlines.
Sleeping on your back is a safe option, especially in the days and weeks after surgery. If you are sleeping on the same side as your stoma, you may feel a little vulnerable and worry that it may either hurt or you might roll onto your stoma and even your pouch. The mattress will support the ostomy pouch as it fills.
Foods to include in your diet
Low-fiber foods, such as: Well-cooked vegetables without skins or seeds (such as peeled potatoes, peeled zucchini with the seeds removed, and peeled tomatoes with the seeds removed) Lettuce.
Fluids such as water, coffee, tea and juice are generally fine. If the volume of your ileostomy is higher than usual and/or the colour of your urine is darker than usual, you may need to change the type of fluid you are drinking in order to stay well hydrated.