I honestly don't know how I could go forward with my upcoming ileostomy and colectomy without you! I have watched so may of your videos; gleaning so much! THANK YOU!
I am into my forth month with an ileostomy. Most ostomates miss vegetables. So I would like to share my cookery diet tips for your 5 a day: Steamed broccoli. It gets soft enough to digest easily. I make all kinds of vegetable smoothies in my blender, but strained to exclude the fibers. e.g. Carrot smoothy. Or Apple, celery, and cucumber smoothy etc. I also make soups this way. I make carrot and beetroot ( borscht ) or broccoli soup, pumpkin soup, fresh tomato soup ( in season ) I fry onions to get brown, then cook them further in some water, strain them and use this flavorsome water to add to soups and curries. I make a curry from tofu or paneer with potato and canned chick peas ( if cooked well ) Miso soup with tofu and potato is good. You can put cooked rice in your soup to make it softer. I make a quiche from home made pastry, bake it, then fill with steamed broccoli, topped with a thick rue cheese sauce. To avoid too much white carbs I cook millet or quinoa, buckwheat. How about polenta? Great with tomato sauce pure' and topped with cheese browned in the oven. For a nice desert I blend canned fruit strained ( apricots, peaches, pears, pineapple, or cooked apple ) put into glass and chilled for later. Thick cream with soft canned peaches or yogurt are good for protein etc. I make banana pancakes. Also home made banana ice cream and banana cake or banana bread..
Thanks for sharing! I'm a fan of polenta, but I honestly can't remember when I had it last. I don't see a problem with it, provided it's cooked properly 😄
Thank you!! Very, very helpful. I've got my Ileostomy surgery on June 25. Thanks to you and Maggie (Let's Talk IBD) you're making the prep and research A LOT less stressful.
I got my ileostomy in March. Was in the hospital for a week. No one told me anything til the day I was supposed to go home. They didn't even put a pouch on me til then. My doctor was mad that a ostomy nurse hadn't been in to talk to me. They didn't tell me what I could or couldn't eat, didn't show me how to change the pouch, absolutely nothing. They gave me a home health care nurse when I went home & guess what, she didn't know what to do either. If it wasn't for my cousin who already had a ileostomy & showing me what to do you & watching your videos I'd probably be back in the hospital. Thank you
That's awful. I'm sorry you had to go through that. Was your surgery an emergency or planned? It's shocking that nobody was able to explain things before, during, and after your surgery.
Thank you for this video. I'm in the hospital with my new illiostomy. This was done during emergency surgery, so I do not know much. Thank you so much for your tips. Thanks to you, I paused the video and ask for a Nutritionalist who gave me a printed info on a diet.
I'm watching this 10 years after my ileostomy surgery. And I was not informed by my doctors or nurses about what diet I would have to follow. And It was a tough time understanding what exactly was suitable for me.
Thank-you for your site. Happily straight forward and to the point with every video. Just did a 5 hour binge to bring me up to speed. Surgery is July 31, 2020. Diagnosed 34 years ago with UC and have been able to manage enough to be productive. Most recent flare up has lasted 8 years. Exhausted every medication available. I'm looking forward to getting my life back. Thanks again for helping make the next stage in my life a positive one. Much love Brother.
Brent I had my surgery on June 20,2020...colon removal, fistula repair in stomach and ileostomy done, 47 years misdiagnosed with UC. Chrons is my new diagnosis. The surgery wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be and at 68 I think I am healing up pretty fast! Prayers for your surgery and health in your future. Vegan Ostomy is the best !
I love rule #4: Chew everything thoroughly. I was surprised at how much food came straight through to the pouch. A couple weeks after surgery, I got really hungry and I wolfed down my food - especially my favorite foods.
It's amazing, isn't it? Once you know how to chew your food, you'll be able to eat pretty much anything and won't be able to tell what you ate just by looking at the contents of your pouch!
Great video... Just got home from hospital 3 days ago and still confused..... Finally someone who doesn't sugarcoat it, or make it about fashion.... Thank you 5 months left with bag....UGGGG....
Wow, great informational video for people that are getting surgery for ileostomies. I'm having a permanent ileostoming in May I'm so glad I saw your video and subscribed.
Ty! Surgery was yesterday. Still in hospital the next few days to be taught what to do now. Diet, etc. I feel like your videos Give me a Headstart And something I can look back on for references
Eric, On my third day back home from my ostomy surgery. My wife and I had read a few things prior to surgery about diet, and were cognizant of basic approach to diet, but the day of surgery when I got a bed assigned to me for a room, I asked the nurse about a special diet for me, and she told me that there were no special dietary restrictions, so during my stay, I ate a normal diet. I even asked the ostomy surse about dietary restrictions, and she told me there were none, to eat what I want. Then when I get home, my wife starts doing my research to find more information, that that was not correct I don't know if that two day period had any lasting effect but I didn't start eating properly until the day after I came home. Needlessly, we were in shock, but since then I have maintain plenty of protein, liquids, vitamins supplements, since then. My output has been minimal since my surgery. At this point, I just hope I can maintain my diet from here. Your videos are a wealth of info, and will check you site regularly. Thanks!
Hey Michael, do you have an ileostomy or colostomy? I'd be quite surprised if you were told that there would be no restrictions or special diet following surgery for an ileostomy, since the risk of blockages would be much higher in the first month. That said, if you have a colostomy, there's less to worry about because the stoma is larger and output will have an easier time passing through. Best of luck with your recovery!
@@VeganOstomy Eric, I have colostomy, but finally, do have some restrictions on diet. My wife is a champion to the cause, and has done a great deal of research, and tries to verify what she reads with multiple items. I think I am on track with my diet, now. Being a paraplegic, I have some very serious neuropathic pain, and take opiods that help me control it to some degree, but the opiods, at least before I had the operation, caused a great deal of constipation, hence I take Miralax to help with that. I had surgery last Tuesday, and finally, yesterday, I started moving to some output. Also, I wasn't extremely please with where the ostomy was placed, AND that it is inverted, forcing me to use a convex bag. They drew a line at the top of my pant line at the time I decided to move forward, and at the doctors office, so the doctor would know where a strategic placement of the bag would be, and he changed in during surgery. Now, the ostomy bag is right at, or just below where I used to wear my jeans. That said, it makes it really hard to self-cath, and wear regular pants. I worry that it might cause leaking, or cause the bag to pull away from my skin. I have been wearing an Under Armour warm-up pant with an elastic waistband since I have been home to make it easier for now. I guess I will just have to see. But the concave ostomy also makes it very hard to get the convex bag in direct alignment of the stoma. With it so far inward, and so SMALL, I am unable to see it very well, and for now my wife has been assisting. I don't mean to be so negative about all this, and certainly want to give it a chance, and get some time under my belt, but so far, very challenging at most. You have been a wealth of info, and appreciate your advice Thanks, Eric, Michael
Hi Michael, there will be a learning curve for sure, especially with some of the challenge you list with your stoma placement, but I hope that things will be easier to manage once you find the products and techniques that work best for you. You're lucky to have a wife to help split the learning part of it :) Best to you both.
I was in hospital for 9nts after my stoma surgery. I was given a leaflet. My stoma nurse also discussed it with me and a dietician visited me for the final 3 days I was there
Nobody told me ANY of this! I had steak the other day and it was a nightmare!!! Your videos are amazing! I just need to slow my surgeon down and ask more questions! They like to duck and run...
I've been told this quite a few times 🙂 I think my website offers enough written content to make into a book, but my time is so limited that even planning it would be impossible right now. Thanks for watching!
I eat all or most of these food listed to Avoid! I thought high grain breads were okay to eat. Then you also said white bread is not because of blockage. I have had my ostomy two years not and only recently have gas, maybe blockage. I was never told which foods to avoid after surgery. I was told to chew, chew, chew well. I do drink water often through out the day.
Most people only need to avoid certain foods in the very beginning, but as the body adapts, most previous foods can be reintroduced. Chewing is really important, meal size is another thing to be mindful of. Changes in diet, stress, seasons, etc. can all cause things like gas. If you do suspect a blockage, please speak to your ostomy nurse. Good luck. 😀
I will be an ostomate 2 days from now. I have UC. your information was very valuable to me. I'll subscribe. I'm to wear the ileosto ileostomy for 3 months if all goes well the a jpouch
Weird. My stoma started outputting within 24 hours of the op and was outputting the "ideal" porridge-like consistency that they wanted in less than 48 hours. By the time I left the hospital on day 5, they said I should be able to resume a relatively normal diet but stay away from skins/nuts and drink plenty of fluids. That's literally the only advice I got given on diet.
+Lucas Williams Do you have an ileostomy or colostomy? That can make a huge difference with consistency and follow up diet. I was really sick going into surgery, so my body was not working right at all.
Vegan Ostomy End ileostomy (rectum is intact due to potential future anastomosis). Thankfully, my Crohn's was pretty rough for about 2 years prior to surgery, most of the foods I'm eating post-op are the "safe" low residue types that often get recommended to people in flare-ups; I guess that diet is just second nature to me now. I'm glad I saw your list though because I did have a little corn on the cob the other day and now I know not to risk it again. Honestly, fluids and sheer quantity are the biggest challenges I'm facing. I've always struggled to drink enough fluids even before I got sick and my stomach capacity seems to be so ridiculously small. I'm not sure whether that's because I got so used to eating such paltry amounts (or not eating at all) but, regardless, I'm struggling to get back to "normal human" levels of appetite.
Lucas Williams, me too. I struggle with drinking enough, unless it is sugar inside, wich I am slowly worried about, and also I can eat very little at time. Otherwise it'll come out again. I Parttime blend my food now and make soup out of it. This works a little better. I think fresh things, because of the ferments would be helpful, but I don't dare.
This was super helpful! I got a lot of diet tips from the hospital but videos like these from people with actual experience make me feel more comfortable eating certain foods. Especially because I was told to try out anything a little bit and see what happens, but I feel more comfortable eating a more strict diet post-op. The only thing that I find myself worrying about is if I get enough vitamins with canned vegetables and fruits and processed foods. Which vitamin supplements would you recommend?
My advice regarding supplementation is to have a blood test first to see if you are actually deficient in anything, then plan things out from there. If you are vegan then the usual recommendations apply: Vitamin D, B12, DHA, possibly iron. But ostomy surgery (and the reason for having it) can often reduce the body's ability to absorb enough nutrients from our food, so additional supplementation may be required. A good quality (reputable brand) all-in-one supplement would be OK for most people, but I'd get one WITHOUT iron and then add iron separately if needed. If you have access to a dietitian then I would strongly suggest speaking with them to come up with a plan. Varying up your diet can help to cover more bases, but you may still need to supplement, at least for a short while. Best to you!
I also received NO guidance regarding food. I ended up back in hospital for 9 days! Especially the surgeon was so cavalier, when I returned to hospital I let my admitting ER doc keep him out of it. Plus he was a "GENERAL" surgeon. Big difference. I think that YOUR videos should be mandatory for anyone new to this initially jarring experience, as was mine, having only 12 hours notice!
I'm sorry to hear that you've been left without help. Do you have access to a dietitian or stoma nurse who can work with you and your husband to come up with a game plan? I think various cancer orgs may be able to pull up a few extra resources as well. Best of luck to you both.
Hi Adele, along with the video and the accompanying article (www.veganostomy.ca/ostomy-diet-what-to-eat-first-six-weeks/) it can sometimes depend on the person, type of surgery, and whether they have any other illnesses or concerns to work around. Do you have an ileostomy or colostomy? And how long since your surgery? Generally speaking, colostomates can eat pretty much anything without worrying too much about how they chew, but ileostomies need to be more cautious. I always suggest starting slow with new foods, chew really well, and introduce new foods slowly. You may also want to speak with your surgeon, stoma nurse, or a registered dietitian for more specific recommendations.
Hi Eric! Your videos are so informative and you don’t waste time talking about things that are off topic … you get right to the point 😊 I had ostomy surgery 3 weeks ago and have lost quite a bit of weight. I’m trying to build my system and my strength up as I’ve got chemo coming up soon. I was wondering if you could recommend a vegan protein powder that doesn’t have greens as I have to try to increase my protein intake and I’m vegetarian (no meat) but have been eating some fish (locally caught) and eggs (cage free) to help with my protein intake, as I can’t eat beans, lentils or chickpeas with my ostomy.
Good luck with everything, Lyn! For protein powder, I've been a fan of Vega for years, so check to see if they have anything in their lineup that suits your requirements. They also have meal replacement powder if you're looking to gain more weight. Take care!
Hi Eric, This is Theresa DiBiasi (but I changed my user name) So anyway, I just wanted to tell you that my ileostomy was moved from 11/16 to 11/30; and it was changed from a regular ileostomy to an ileostomy with a colectomy and my rectum will be sewn closed so I'll have a "Barbie Butt". And since you're my #1 go to ostomate, was wondering if you can give me some other pointers. Also, on the site called Inspire, I was told it would be best if I bought a waffle cushion (not a donut as that pulls the "cheeks"apart. I also found out that the procedure time has been increased from 1-2 hours, to 5-6 hours; and the hospital stay from about 3 days to about 7, depending on my stoma function and other assorted issues. Oh, and where do I get an adult liquid vitamin? What's your take on all this? Thanks for being there for me, for all of us. Love, laughter & life Teri
The Dr. told me to eat “ anything” I wanted…….. found out that KFC’s slaw not only “ blew” up my bag with gas but I was seeing slaw and carrot pieces that hadn’t been digested !🤦♀️ no more slaw for me. My ostomy bag may or may not be permanent……. It’s a preventative measure while I go through chemotherapy and radiation for rectal Cancer with sphenture damage. Thank you for this video, it was very helpful .
Hi Becky. You'll likely find that some foods will affect your output more than others. You should be able to figure out which foods cause no issues by keeping a food diary 👌
I know you are probably very busy and haven’t made videos lately, but would you consider one about tips for vegans with an Ostomy? I am a vegan about to have an iliostomy surgery and I am concerned about what to eat.
All of my videos dealing with diet have a plant-based focus to them, so they'll be useful to you. In fact, all of my content will be appropriate for vegans, since that's why I started. My website has quite a bit more content and an active community forum if you have any questions 😄 👉 www.veganostomy.ca
As a Vegan what did you eat for the first 6 weeks? I am a vegetarian and will have a Stoma in a months time. There is absolutely no information pertaining to a vegetarian diet after surgery. Can I have quinoa, millet, polenta, couscous? Can I have vegetable smoothies and fruit smoothies? Can I freely eat yogurt, cheese, butter, milk? Is fruit juice OK? Is decaf coffee and tea OK. Also herb teas? I would be grateful for any advice as I have to get in supplies.
Hey Michael, I do have a list of "safe" foods for the first six weeks, along with some additional details about what I ate (see the "further reading" section) in this written article: www.veganostomy.ca/ostomy-diet-what-to-eat-first-six-weeks/ As a general rule, keep things simple and easy to digest in the first little while; chew as well as you can; cook vegetables, if possible, but smootheis are usually fine. Juice, coffee and tea are "safe", but they may increase your output, so monitor things as you consume more. Good luck :)
Hey Carol! Thanks for asking! Life has not afforded me the time to make new videos, although I'm still very busy with VeganOstomy through my forum, emails that come in, and private messages. I have so many videos planned!
I am still figuring out the best way to keep my "Monster",(that's his name :), from leaking with my swollen surgery site. I'm very glad to have found this channel, (along with a friend who also has one named- "Pucker")
When did you have your surgery, Jaime? Swelling usually lasts about a month or so, and I recommend more frequent appliance changes (maybe once a day) to keep up to the change in stoma size until it stabilizes.
Just try NOT to get him a mate named Harriet :) . I also, get another surgery and procedure this month and next! My little "Monster" may be put back inside-and I don't know how I feel about that? I hated his guts,(no pun intended), up until about the past couple of weeks. Now I'm actually, entertaining the idea of keeping him indefinitely??? I have decreased in swelling and become proficient at bag changing and keeping him from leaking. My "little Monster " is a shy one! He's hard to see being an inn-e, not an out-e, which makes leaking harder to control Also, from learning what combination of product's work well and those that don't, (a huge improvement), for him. Not to mention that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Adapt odor remover product that works like a miracle-like no smell-it's crazy good). What products do you use? I prefer a 2 piece. Stopper plug because it's an ileostomy. Not to be gross but I ate a whole plate of veggies this morning and well let's just say that I probably won't be drinking "Green Monster" juice from Jamba anymore-and I thought my humor was 'off-colored' before "Monster" came into my life? ;) What brand do you use? I am a Hollister devotee but I know other's that hate them? It's weird how certain one's work for other's and not for you, ya know? I thought I had tried all the brands of Ostomy out there BUT I just came across the brand "Coloplast" and there "Brava" line and ordered some free samples to try=I am looking forward to giving them a go, since I've heard a lot of good things about them. Especially, I really want to try there adhesive paste that takes a bit longer to dry because it's alcohol free but they say it has a very fresh scent, not chemically? It's a fun time in life when our excitement meter run's up to the top expecting Ostomy supplies eh? Good luck to you on your surgery and keep us updated. I had a really, really, great name for an Ostomy but I've forgotten it? If I think of it I'll add on and anyone that wishes to read and use it can? Good luck on your surgery! Ciao
+Veggie Bee It depends on how quickly your stoma "wakes up". Once you start getting a bit of gas and output from your stoma, you would be put on solids right away. It may only take a day to two after surgery for this to happen.
BTW, your intelligent, well I researched video give me back some of my power. Right now I'm dealing with low stoma input and UTI not caused by ecological but one that is hard to treat. Macrobid isn't working very well. I'm waiting to hear from the urology nurse. I've seen a saw a nurse practioner who brushed off possible kidney stones despite severe left flank pain. Still waiting. It's hard to find enough canned veggies I can eat. Also struggling to find the appliances that are right for meAt three weeks, I'm a typical new ostomate. My weight goes up and down but not up over 100 yet.Three weeks down!
I REALLY appreciate your videos. I'm still waiting to get a date for mine but I think my guts are doing their final encore at the moment, can't wait to say goodbye:)
Thank you for this showing me and telling me I must refuse the surgery for colon resection. I would never adjust to an ostomy and would be fucking miserable every single minute. You just made my surgery decision.
Yikes. I hope I didn't give that impression. I've been able to do more since my surgery than I ever have before. Not sure what your current situation is, but I wouldn't dismiss surgery if it can lead to a more fulfilling life. Best of luck to you. If you'd like to discuss this in private, please feel free to email me at veganostomy@gmail.com.
my mums going in for perm ileoostomy surgery in 1 hour... please can you advise me what i should expect and what i can do to help her recover fast and well...
+monanis She should listen to what her doctor and stoma nurse have to say. Recovery can take a month or longer, but she'll start to feel better after a few weeks. I was on 5km hikes a month after my surgery, but everyone is different. Good luck to your mom!
thank u for replying...im just so anxious, nervous, scared angry going crazy.... she been on the table since 9.30 so im hoping she should be done in a few hours.... im just screwed up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3 week since my operation I do worry about not eating fruit for my health and veg but my stoma nurse said keep of them for now I do worry am not getting enough healthy foods in me
You shouldn't have to avoid fruits and vegetables this early on, so there are other ways of being able to eat them. For example you can make smoothies, blended soups, you can skin a lot of vegetables and cook them well so they become very soft and easy to digest. There are quite a few ways that allow you to get in that nutrition without avoiding those foods. 👌
Hi, I have a 7 weeks old temporary ileostomy and the output is very liquid. Aware that this is close to the norm, however I’ve been told I need to add ‘something’ to my diet that will bulk it up some. Do not remember what I need to add to my diet, total blank. I’m not expecting formed stool like when one has a colostomy. Also, any recommendations on delaying the digestion process, to allow more time for nutrient absorption? Been given a Rx with atropine as the main ingredient, however, I’d like to reduce the number of prescription medication, not add another one. This medication will slow down the motility, delaying evacuation. At this time, I’m ‘working’ at 1-2 hours from eating to emptying my pouch. Is this too fast or somewhat the norm? As always, thank you for the informative videos!
Yes, it is normal, but there are foods you can try to help thicken things up and slow things down. What happens when you eat potatoes (including potato chips and fries) or pasta? Those foods are known to thicken output, but you may need to experiment with the type and quantity you consume. Oatmeal may also help. I would suggest keeping a food diary to see if certain foods make things better or worse and adjust as you go along. Depending on how long you have this stoma, your body may adjust on its own as well, and it may not be as liquid over time (assuming you haven't lost any small bowel). Best of luck to you!
Thank you for the feedback. Unfortunately, I don’t eat a lot of starches, but I’ll give it a try. My diet consists mostly of yogurt! I lost some parts of the small bowel when ileostomy was done. I’ll take your suggestions and see if it helps. Thank you again!
I'm sorry this is so late! Thank you for that! I've had my ileostomy for 9 months now. Unfortunately I can't eat small meals throughout the day because of my job. I try to drink a lot of water but im not sure what to do about eating throughout the day. My doctor wants me eating 6 times a day. But my work doesn't let me. Even though they know of my condition 😑
I'm sorry to hear about that. Is there any way you could get a doctor's note stating that you need to eat throughout the day? It's concerning that your work wouldn't recognize your condition in this case since it may actually be covered under the ADA. Good luck!
Wow thanks for all of this. At this writing (1:42 am on 4/27/18) I am lay9ng 8n a hospital bed reading all of this . Had my surgery on the 23rd small bowel reduction with temporary iliostomy bag. Have seen two ostomy nurses they have given me two list that counterdic each other. Seems I'm scared of everything form eating wrong foods to bag falling off i feel like the next eight weeks will revolve around this bag!!
Hope things are going better for you! I have an ileostomy that’s about 7 weeks old now and i still feel like my life revolves around it. It’s supposed to be reversed at some point and can’t wait for it!
It's possible that those are granuloma, but a nurse would have to look and treat it. Do you have access to a stoma nurse? If not, you might need to speak to your doctor about it.
I’m always amazed to hear that people are sent home without any advice about post-op diet etc. This is scandalous. I had such good care throughout, from the moment I was told I would have to have an ileostomy, right up till now, with my continuing care 4 1/2 years on. I cannot sing their praises highly enough. Our wonderful NHS! For rehydration I used to make up St. Mark’s solution - to 1 litre of water, add salt, baking soda and glucose (can’t remember quantities I’m afraid, but details online). It’s pretty boring and horrible to drink so I used to flavour it with a bit of cordial. Since I started making kombucha I now make up a fabulous drink: juice of 1 lemon, 1 tsp salt (I use Himalayan pink rock salt which has additional trace minerals), 1 tab maple syrup, 1/2 cup kombucha, 1 cup coconut water, all topped up with filtered water, blitz in a blender, pour into a bottle and store in the fridge. I drink this throughout every day. Dioralyte is good for rehydration too but it’s expensive. Chewing... ah, yes! ( lots of chewing burns calories too lol!). After my ileostomy surgery my theme tune became “The Chattanooga Choo-Choo” lol - I found a fabulous rendering by the Andrews Sisters on RUclips! Everyone needs to chew their food properly, not just ostomates. It’s the first part of the digestive process, and it also causes the body to kick in certain hormones that trigger satiety and so on, and aid with maintenance of a healthy weight. Very good advice about eating mindfully, too. Eating is such great pleasure anyway, and shouldn’t be rushed. Look at how the healthiest people on earth eat. They celebrate mealtimes, sharing fellowship with friends and family, lingering over their meals and relishing every bite. Please tell us how to eat post-op if you are a healthy vegan eater. A whole-foods, plant-based diet is very rich in fibre. The low-residue post-op diet isn’t exactly healthy from that point of view! Before my surgery, for about a year I had been doing the 5:2 (“fast”) diet and was advised by my surgeon to stop this for the duration of my treatment - prep for surgery, surgery, recovery and chemo, in order for my body to get all the nutrients it needed to recover. I lost 14 lb in hospital but during the rest of the year, gained it all back again, and lost only 1 lb that year, but that didn’t really matter. My diet was back on track again once my treatment was finished. Thank you for a brilliant video, full of good, practical advice as always!
So awesome! I've lost 41 pounds since my ileostomy began. It's been a 1 month. My diet is salmon & tuna packs, jello, applesauce and lots of gatorade and water. My surgeon had me get a sports powder that is concentrated amino acids and electrolites to help me. I loose bags of liquid all day long. I mean as soon as I drink it comes out in like 2-3 minutes. Oh, and he just added eggs and mashed potatoes.
I have a ileostomy when i eat salads or veg bits of it come out looking exactly the same as it did when i ate it iv had the stoma for 7 months,, I never noticed it before i but iv been eating more salad lately, is the small intestine not absorbing the nutrients in salads , basically is there any point to me eating these foods do they give me health benefits still , i was thinking to take a vitamin tablet , but i dont know if they would get absorbed either , dont know if vitamin tablets work even
Hi Daisy, keep in mind that salads/fruits/vegetables will NOT break down much past your mouth - you have to make sure that you chew your salad as well as possible so that all of the nutrients come out. It's normal to see some of the leftover bits that haven't been chewed really well, but you shouldn't see too much of it if you've chewed well enough. If you do decide to take vitamins, have a look at this article: www.veganostomy.ca/medication-supplements-ileostomy/
Make sure your Dr knows. They might do bloodwork. Mine did the same. Malabsorption of things like lettuce which provide vitamin K for the body can lead to blood clots forming. I just had 2 pulmonary emboli due to malabsorption issues, and they weren't the first blood clots I had. I'm on xarelto for life now. Just to let you know that I'm not spitting out nonsense, I'm an ICU nurse of 17 years. Take care!
I would ask your surgeon if there is any dietary protocol they'd like you to follow leading up to your surgery and during your recovery phase. I think a protein shake would generally be safe, but it's better to check in with your surgeon just to be sure. Good luck with everything! 😀
I don't need butter, or any dairy, but I do eat vegan margarine and it's never been an issue. I don't see any reason why your mom wouldn't be able to eat butter with bread following surgery. In fact, it may be recommended since it's easy to digest.
What protein powder did you use, were there any specifics you looked for with the protein powder? I was given some recovery drinks but they are not vegan so I was hoping to stick to my vegan diet and find a vegan protein powder with added vitamins similar to this beverage they gave me instead. I haven't had my surgery yet so this is all new to me.
I was using this after surgery, but there are so many vegan protein powders available now: www.veganostomy.ca/vegan-meal-replacement-what-ive-settled-on-updated-oct-16-2013/ The brand "Vega" has some products that are available everywhere and would be fortified, too!
That might be a good question to ask the pharmacist. Different antibiotics may absorb at differeent rates and in different parts of the GI tract. If there was any doubt, you may be able to get it deliveed through another way (i.e. intravenously).
Me personally? Anything I like, as long as I'm mindful about how I prepare and consume it. Most ileostomates will have to exercise caution with certain foods, and many colostomates can return to the diet they are used to. There are certain factors that may warrant exercising additional caution, like having a history of blockages.
I think it's common (I experience that too from time to time), especially when passing output, but I wouldn't consider it "normal" in the sense that you shouldn't experience pain without reason. This does happen more in the months following surgery, since things are still healing up. And there could be plenty of reasons for sharp pain, from the appliance being cut too close/tight or an obstruction. I would run it by your stoma nurse or Dr. if you have concerns.
Is it possible that having an ileostomy can cause lactose intolerance, because usually every time I have something with milk in it I end up with persistent diarrhea... but no other symptoms, this never happened before I got my ostomy.
Since my operation I've been drinking a nutrisure shake with fruit everyday, but it seems to make me constipated...is there anything else I can take with all the neccessary vitamins in?
Hi Adele, If you want to stick with nutritional shakes, I think there are quite a few products available depending on where you live. I would speak with a registered dietitian for specific recommendations.👍
@@VeganOstomy thank you so much. Can you also advise if I can take canibis oil while I'm on chemo and radiation. My ostomy nurse said it's the pain medication that makes me constipated.
Yeah don't even try and risk it. Was eating stuff like tacos with shredded lettuce in it. Thought it was okay since on the paper my dietitian gave me mentioned that a bit of shredded lettuce on a sandwich was okay. It would be weeks later and every now and then I would have a burrito or a taco with shredded lettuce in it and I would be fine until I had a blockage yesterday and it was incredibly painful. Like a stomach cramp x20. Luckily the blockage passed through and popped out my stoma after getting multiple Xrays and CT scans. Having an unnecessary ambulance ride to another hospital for a surgeon to check I felt completely back to normal so they let me go. Was pretty scary.
That's a shame you've had to go through that. When this happened, how soon after your surgery was it? It took me about two years to be able to confidently eat what want. It also depends on what else is Goin on inside (i.e. Strictures, narrowing of the bowel, etc). Unless there's something else going on, the ostomy alone should not deter you from easing your way into a wider menu.
Well the thing is it's only been 4 weeks since surgery so that's probably why. And last night I woke up with a pretty bad fever with some vomiting but there wasn't any cramping. Only lasted for like 30 minutes and was still getting output so not sure if that was a minor blockage or not.
Ah, yeah. 4 weeks is still very early for stuff like that. I don't believe a blockage would cause a fever, so I'd suggest letting your doctor know about it.
I had my surgery only 2 weeks ago and I also didn’t get nothing said about what to eat when I go home yes it’s disgusting I had to ask my stomach nurse but she only knew so much
I wish more patients were given guidance when it comes to diet, especially in the beginning when it's most important. But so many of us have to kind of figure it out on our own, or rely on each other to provide information.
Thanks for your videos. I'm eight weeks out of surgery. how did you begin eating fruits and veggies? slowly? one at a time? MyMD has told me i will never be able to eat raw fruits and veggies So, how do you do it?
Shame on your MD if that's what you were told. Unless you have some underlying medical condition that prohibits you from eating raw fruits or veg, an ostomy should not be a problem. My suggestions for fruits and veg would be: - Deskin and deseed everything at first. - Try canned fruit and veg to start (these should be super easy to digest). - Try small amounts at first and see how things go. Do you notice any food chunks when emptying your bag? Then that indicates that you'll need to chew better. - Keep a food diary and make note of any foods that are difficult for you or change your output too much. Start slow -> Keep quantities to a minimum -> Chew! Best of luck!
@@VeganOstomy I would give the same advice about avoiding raw vegetables and fruit pulp such as oranges and pineapple. Also better to eat ripe and soft fruits.
Thank you so much for this advice! I am two days out of hospital and five days out of surgery. I’m going to download that app you mentioned it seems very helpful
Blending would be the first choice. I would not recommend eating foods that have to be chewed if you are unable to do it. I know a few people on my support forum recommended to another user that they look into dental implants, if that's an option for you. Good luck !
@@BanjoDoje I'm sorry to hear that. Another, rather unconventional, option is baby food and baby cereal. I've eaten it myself and it's very easy to digest without any chewing - the taste may be bland, so you'll likely want to season/flavor it some how.
Smoothies are generally "safe" in most contexts. Make sure you talk to your doctor and a registered dietitian about your deficiencies. B12 should be easy to supplement (and you may need to depending on your illness/surgery location), and iron may need supplementation until you can eat a more balanced diet. Folate is found in many foods, so this may be easy to get. The biggest concern is whether your body can absorb what you're eating, and that can depend on your health. If your small bowels are compromised (i.e. Crohn's disease), it may be more difficult to absorb these nutrients. Best of luck!
Loop Ileostomy and colon resection & anastomosis due to bowel cancel in sigmoid . All clear from cancer now phew. 3 weeks post surgery. Thank you so much for your information. It’s much appreciated. Previously a very healthy nut, seed and whole grain diet so this is taking some getting used to.
It will take time, so go slowly. I do recommend keeping a good diary to keep a log of what's been working and which foods you should avoid (in the short term).
Great video! So things like baby food, fruit/green smoothies and veggie based smoothies/pureed soups (seeds removed, of course), green juices, coconut water, green powders and other super food powders and protein powders added to juices/smoothies are all OK? I'm raw vegan, so I'm thinking that while at the hospital, I'll bring a variety of baby food jars, green juices, and coconut water or nut milk (and mixing in spirulina, barley grass juice powder, and protein powder)... Does this sound ok? I have to basically stay grain/gluten free due to food allergies and issues thoroughly masticating food due to bad tmj.
At my two-week post-op with the surgeon, he said I could go ahead and eat raw fruits and vegetables! I said NO WAY! It is hard enough getting enough water and electrolyte balance. No dairy ! Even Lactaid! at least for now. I was so shocked. I have trouble chewing slowly, always have! Imagine mushy canned carrots coming through untouched! I fill up so quickly even with small meals so I worry about malnutrition.
You know your body best! I think two weeks is too soon if you have an ileostomy, but when you feel ready, start really slowly and see how things pass through. Good luck!
Does coffee cause you to have diarrhea?, I seem to have that problem with caffeine ever since I got my ostomy. Also I do want to go vegetarian or even vegan for ethical reasons but I feel like if I have too much plant material in my diet it can cause either diarrhea constipation or even blockages... Did you become a vegan before or after your surgery?, or were you always a vegan?
Coffee can cause some people to have loose output (even if they don't have a stoma!). Do you think it's the coffee or caffeine? If you try decaf, what happens? I was vegan for about 13 years before my surgery, and have been for nearly 10 since. Blockages can be a worry for some, mostly if food isn't being chewed properly, but I've had no issues after the first year. I don't limit myself at all, but I am mindful of how I chew.
@@VeganOstomy I think it's the coffee, I have no problem with caffeine rich teas... I also get the runs when I order a sausage and egg Mcmuffin. I keep trying to remind my mom to order different items but she always seems to forget. Plus, she's broke.
@Lucy's Disability Support Group That's wonderful to hear! I had my first Beyond Meat burger when I was in Philadelphia, but they've started selling their products here in Ontario, Canada since then! Keep exploring more food options. I think you'll find that many products will either taste the same or better than what you'd expect 😁
Love the info you put out there! I'm a 7 time surgery ostomate, with my last procedure done in November 2015. I'm now eating raw veggies, nuts, and raw fruit again, after my 6 week waiting period. I'm also a previous competitive amateur kickboxer, and have been working on regaining my lifestyle again. Check out my channel for videos which show some of my training, diet, and general lifestyle with an ostomy. :)
Yes! From days to up to a week. It basically turns off the stoma, and I'll only get a small amount of bile/fluid in the bag throughout the day, with slightly more gas than usual. I've used it both strategically (i.e. before a trip), but also when I've been sick and didn't want to/couldn't eat. Provided that you are in good health, I see no harm in short fasts with an ostomy. If you are planning a long fast (weeks), then I'd suggest consulting with a professional, as that could be dangerous.
@@VeganOstomy very interesting! I just had a one week fast and my bag was full with fluid all day long. I felt as I was loosing a lot of fluid! Too much! At times I didn't feel well. I am an experienced faster, but this was a very different experience. Thanks for taking your time to answer!
@@SusanneKARGER Since I hate liquid output, I usually have to use gelling products in my bag. And the amount of liquid that comes out is generally proportional to the amount of fluid you drink. Sometime, this amount can be a lot (visually), but never near the same volume of what my output would be with regular meals. How long have you had your ostomy for, and is it an ileostomy or colostomy?
@@VeganOstomy I have an ileostoma since March this year. And since I have a new system callled TIES (there's information on RUclips about it) , it's an implant, I've got a few problems. In November I'll have my 4th surgery this year. It works really well, but my body does not accept a foreign object. It rejects the implant and pushes it out. We replaced it one time and now it's the same again. They have to remove it an locate a conventional stoma on the other side. That means, there will be a huge scar on the right side of my belly. I really hope, that the new stoma will work as properly as this one. I have to try it out then, with the fast. Fasting is part of my life for years, I would really miss this practice if it wouldn't work.
@@SusanneKARGER Oh wow! We've had members on my support forum asking about the TIES system. I think they'll love to hear from your experience! But I'm sorry to hear that it hasn't been accepted by your body :( Continue to experiment with fasting. It took my body several years to "calm down" and my output was unpredictable during that time. As you have your stoma longer, your small intestine will begin to take on some tasks that your colon would normally have to do, namely, reabsorbing fluids that pass through. This should help in the long-term with the liquid output and should make it more manageable.
+Theresa DiBiasi Hehe. Coffee isn't "bad" for most people, but some ostomates find it causes liquid output. There's no need to stop drinking it,as long you understand this can happen (many ostomates continue to drink coffee and diet soft drinks).
+Theresa DiBiasi Hehe. Coffee isn't "bad" for most people, but some ostomates find it causes liquid output. There's no need to stop drinking it,as long you understand this can happen (many ostomates continue to drink coffee and diet soft drinks).
Is there any serious natural gas killers that work excellent for someone with an osteomy?.Someone has got to know something that works like magic I hope...........please do tell.Great video brother..........
Hey Virgil, because there could be several reasons for someone to have gas, there may be several things to consider in order to help reduce it. I list many of those things in this article: www.veganostomy.ca/ostomy-pouch-ballooning/ Good luck!
I was told regular diet is fine. No it is not. A friend brought me a very tasty salad Polynesian style. I ate only a small portion and todayI STINK also bad …. This is the first time this has happened in my almost 4 weeks post op.
You'll learn what works for you and what doesn't. It took over a year before I felt comfortable eating, and I still had to experiment and be cautious. You'll get there 👍
Nobody told me ANY of this! I had steak the other day and it was a nightmare!!! Your videos are amazing! I just need to slow my surgeon down and ask more questions! They like to duck and run...
I honestly don't know how I could go forward with my upcoming ileostomy and colectomy without you! I have watched so may of your videos; gleaning so much! THANK YOU!
You're welcome! Best of luck with everything!
I am into my forth month with an ileostomy. Most ostomates miss vegetables. So I would like to share my cookery diet tips for your 5 a day:
Steamed broccoli. It gets soft enough to digest easily.
I make all kinds of vegetable smoothies in my blender, but strained to exclude the fibers.
e.g. Carrot smoothy. Or Apple, celery, and cucumber smoothy etc.
I also make soups this way.
I make carrot and beetroot ( borscht ) or broccoli soup, pumpkin soup, fresh tomato soup ( in season )
I fry onions to get brown, then cook them further in some water, strain them and use this flavorsome water to add to soups and curries.
I make a curry from tofu or paneer with potato and canned chick peas ( if cooked well )
Miso soup with tofu and potato is good.
You can put cooked rice in your soup to make it softer.
I make a quiche from home made pastry, bake it, then fill with steamed broccoli, topped with a thick rue cheese sauce.
To avoid too much white carbs I cook millet or quinoa, buckwheat. How about polenta? Great with tomato sauce pure' and topped with cheese browned in the oven.
For a nice desert I blend canned fruit strained ( apricots, peaches, pears, pineapple, or cooked apple ) put into glass and chilled for later.
Thick cream with soft canned peaches or yogurt are good for protein etc.
I make banana pancakes. Also home made banana ice cream and banana cake or banana bread..
Thanks for sharing! I'm a fan of polenta, but I honestly can't remember when I had it last. I don't see a problem with it, provided it's cooked properly 😄
Thank you!! Very, very helpful. I've got my Ileostomy surgery on June 25. Thanks to you and Maggie (Let's Talk IBD) you're making the prep and research A LOT less stressful.
Glad to hear that these videos have helped! Best of luck with your surgery!
How are you today, Mr Phil? How are you getting on with your Ileostomy?
Helpful info for my husband's recovery. Thank you!
I hope that your husband is doing well! All the best!
February 26 2024. Exactly The video I needed. Sometimes the algorithm works! Thank you so much.
Nice! If you like reading, the article for this video can be helpful: www.veganostomy.ca/ostomy-diet-what-to-eat-first-six-weeks/
I got my ileostomy in March. Was in the hospital for a week. No one told me anything til the day I was supposed to go home. They didn't even put a pouch on me til then. My doctor was mad that a ostomy nurse hadn't been in to talk to me. They didn't tell me what I could or couldn't eat, didn't show me how to change the pouch, absolutely nothing. They gave me a home health care nurse when I went home & guess what, she didn't know what to do either. If it wasn't for my cousin who already had a ileostomy & showing me what to do you & watching your videos I'd probably be back in the hospital. Thank you
That's awful. I'm sorry you had to go through that. Was your surgery an emergency or planned? It's shocking that nobody was able to explain things before, during, and after your surgery.
Thank you for this video. I'm in the hospital with my new illiostomy. This was done during emergency surgery, so I do not know much. Thank you so much for your tips. Thanks to you, I paused the video and ask for a Nutritionalist who gave me a printed info on a diet.
Good luck with your recovery. I'm glad you have a nutritionist available to help!
I'm watching this 10 years after my ileostomy surgery. And I was not informed by my doctors or nurses about what diet I would have to follow. And It was a tough time understanding what exactly was suitable for me.
Some patients even today don't get all this information, so I would imagine it was worse 10 years ago (I had my surgery around 7 years ago).
Thank-you for your site. Happily straight forward and to the point with every video. Just did a 5 hour binge to bring me up to speed. Surgery is July 31, 2020. Diagnosed 34 years ago with UC and have been able to manage enough to be productive. Most recent flare up has lasted 8 years. Exhausted every medication available. I'm looking forward to getting my life back.
Thanks again for helping make the next stage in my life a positive one.
Much love Brother.
Thanks for watching (and watching, and watching) =) Best of luck with your surgery!
Brent I had my surgery on June 20,2020...colon removal, fistula repair in stomach and ileostomy done, 47 years misdiagnosed with UC. Chrons is my new diagnosis. The surgery wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be and at 68 I think I am healing up pretty fast! Prayers for your surgery and health in your future. Vegan Ostomy is the best !
@@janiceblackwell4793 thank-you Janice. Be well ✌🏻
So glad I came across your videos, I have my surgery next month
Good luck, Ann!
That was such a great video, it was so informative.i am into my 3rd week of an ileostomy, it was so helpful....thankyou...
Hi Eric. Thank you for your videos. I just had my operation last March 12 and your videos really helped...its an excellent guide for me til now....
You're welcome :)
I love rule #4: Chew everything thoroughly. I was surprised at how much food came straight through to the pouch. A couple weeks after surgery, I got really hungry and I wolfed down my food - especially my favorite foods.
It's amazing, isn't it? Once you know how to chew your food, you'll be able to eat pretty much anything and won't be able to tell what you ate just by looking at the contents of your pouch!
I was the same, note to self, don’t get too hungry 3 weeks since my surgery ☺️
@@katrinawest487 good luck
Great video... Just got home from hospital 3 days ago and still confused..... Finally someone who doesn't sugarcoat it, or make it about fashion.... Thank you 5 months left with bag....UGGGG....
+Steve Royer Wishing you all the best!
Thank you! Just what I wanted to hear!
Wow, great informational video for people that are getting surgery for ileostomies. I'm having a permanent ileostoming in May I'm so glad I saw your video and subscribed.
Donna61111 Glad you found it helpful! Let me know if you have any questions you'd like answered ahead of your surgery.
Good luck in May!
Man, I needed this information so very much. I'm in gratitude finding your precious help!!!
Ty! Surgery was yesterday. Still in hospital the next few days to be taught what to do now. Diet, etc.
I feel like your videos Give me a Headstart And something I can look back on for references
Thanks for watching! And all the best with your recovery 😀😀😀
Eric,
On my third day back home from my ostomy surgery. My wife and I had read a few things prior to surgery about diet, and were cognizant of basic approach to diet, but the day of surgery when I got a bed assigned to me for a room, I asked the nurse about a special diet for me, and she told me that there were no special dietary restrictions, so during my stay, I ate a normal diet. I even asked the ostomy surse about dietary restrictions, and she told me there were none, to eat what I want. Then when I get home, my wife starts doing my research to find more information, that that was not correct I don't know if that two day period had any lasting effect but I didn't start eating properly until the day after I came home. Needlessly, we were in shock, but since then I have maintain plenty of protein, liquids, vitamins supplements, since then. My output has been minimal since my surgery. At this point, I just hope I can maintain my diet from here.
Your videos are a wealth of info, and will check you site regularly. Thanks!
Hey Michael, do you have an ileostomy or colostomy? I'd be quite surprised if you were told that there would be no restrictions or special diet following surgery for an ileostomy, since the risk of blockages would be much higher in the first month.
That said, if you have a colostomy, there's less to worry about because the stoma is larger and output will have an easier time passing through.
Best of luck with your recovery!
@@VeganOstomy Eric, I have colostomy, but finally, do have some restrictions on diet. My wife is a champion to the cause, and has done a great deal of research, and tries to verify what she reads with multiple items. I think I am on track with my diet, now. Being a paraplegic, I have some very serious neuropathic pain, and take opiods that help me control it to some degree, but the opiods, at least before I had the operation, caused a great deal of constipation, hence I take Miralax to help with that. I had surgery last Tuesday, and finally, yesterday, I started moving to some output.
Also, I wasn't extremely please with where the ostomy was placed, AND that it is inverted, forcing me to use a convex bag. They drew a line at the top of my pant line at the time I decided to move forward, and at the doctors office, so the doctor would know where a strategic placement of the bag would be, and he changed in during surgery. Now, the ostomy bag is right at, or just below where I used to wear my jeans. That said, it makes it really hard to self-cath, and wear regular pants. I worry that it might cause leaking, or cause the bag to pull away from my skin. I have been wearing an Under Armour warm-up pant with an elastic waistband since I have been home to make it easier for now. I guess I will just have to see.
But the concave ostomy also makes it very hard to get the convex bag in direct alignment of the stoma. With it so far inward, and so SMALL, I am unable to see it very well, and for now my wife has been assisting.
I don't mean to be so negative about all this, and certainly want to give it a chance, and get some time under my belt, but so far, very challenging at most. You have been a wealth of info, and appreciate your advice
Thanks, Eric,
Michael
Hi Michael, there will be a learning curve for sure, especially with some of the challenge you list with your stoma placement, but I hope that things will be easier to manage once you find the products and techniques that work best for you. You're lucky to have a wife to help split the learning part of it :) Best to you both.
I was in hospital for 9nts after my stoma surgery. I was given a leaflet. My stoma nurse also discussed it with me and a dietician visited me for the final 3 days I was there
Thanks for all your videos. I'm getting my ileo in November. And aside from being terrified I'm OK
+Theresa DiBiasi You'll do great! Good luck 😀
Nobody told me ANY of this! I had steak the other day and it was a nightmare!!! Your videos are amazing! I just need to slow my surgeon down and ask more questions! They like to duck and run...
Thank you!! Very informative and presented in an easy to follow format.
You should write a book
There is not a lot of books or leaflets out there about ilieostomy especially what to eat..thank you
I've been told this quite a few times 🙂 I think my website offers enough written content to make into a book, but my time is so limited that even planning it would be impossible right now. Thanks for watching!
I eat all or most of these food listed to Avoid! I thought high grain breads were okay to eat. Then you also said white bread is not because of blockage. I have had my ostomy two years not and only recently have gas, maybe blockage. I was never told which foods to avoid after surgery. I was told to chew, chew, chew well. I do drink water often through out the day.
Most people only need to avoid certain foods in the very beginning, but as the body adapts, most previous foods can be reintroduced. Chewing is really important, meal size is another thing to be mindful of. Changes in diet, stress, seasons, etc. can all cause things like gas. If you do suspect a blockage, please speak to your ostomy nurse. Good luck. 😀
Isotone drinks! Thats between 6-8 grams of koolhydrates per 100ml. 1 part water 2 parts applejuice is my favorite!
I will be an ostomate 2 days from now. I have UC. your information was very valuable to me. I'll subscribe. I'm to wear the ileosto ileostomy for 3 months if all goes well the a jpouch
Good luck with your surgery! If you have any questions that come up during your recovery, please feel free to ask.
Weird. My stoma started outputting within 24 hours of the op and was outputting the "ideal" porridge-like consistency that they wanted in less than 48 hours. By the time I left the hospital on day 5, they said I should be able to resume a relatively normal diet but stay away from skins/nuts and drink plenty of fluids. That's literally the only advice I got given on diet.
+Lucas Williams Do you have an ileostomy or colostomy? That can make a huge difference with consistency and follow up diet. I was really sick going into surgery, so my body was not working right at all.
Vegan Ostomy End ileostomy (rectum is intact due to potential future anastomosis). Thankfully, my Crohn's was pretty rough for about 2 years prior to surgery, most of the foods I'm eating post-op are the "safe" low residue types that often get recommended to people in flare-ups; I guess that diet is just second nature to me now. I'm glad I saw your list though because I did have a little corn on the cob the other day and now I know not to risk it again.
Honestly, fluids and sheer quantity are the biggest challenges I'm facing. I've always struggled to drink enough fluids even before I got sick and my stomach capacity seems to be so ridiculously small. I'm not sure whether that's because I got so used to eating such paltry amounts (or not eating at all) but, regardless, I'm struggling to get back to "normal human" levels of appetite.
Lucas Williams, me too.
I struggle with drinking enough, unless it is sugar inside, wich I am slowly worried about, and also I can eat very little at time. Otherwise it'll come out again.
I Parttime blend my food now and make soup out of it. This works a little better.
I think fresh things, because of the ferments would be helpful, but I don't dare.
This was super helpful! I got a lot of diet tips from the hospital but videos like these from people with actual experience make me feel more comfortable eating certain foods. Especially because I was told to try out anything a little bit and see what happens, but I feel more comfortable eating a more strict diet post-op. The only thing that I find myself worrying about is if I get enough vitamins with canned vegetables and fruits and processed foods. Which vitamin supplements would you recommend?
My advice regarding supplementation is to have a blood test first to see if you are actually deficient in anything, then plan things out from there. If you are vegan then the usual recommendations apply: Vitamin D, B12, DHA, possibly iron. But ostomy surgery (and the reason for having it) can often reduce the body's ability to absorb enough nutrients from our food, so additional supplementation may be required. A good quality (reputable brand) all-in-one supplement would be OK for most people, but I'd get one WITHOUT iron and then add iron separately if needed. If you have access to a dietitian then I would strongly suggest speaking with them to come up with a plan. Varying up your diet can help to cover more bases, but you may still need to supplement, at least for a short while. Best to you!
Thanks! I’m 14 and getting surgery in 5 days
Good luck!
I also received NO guidance regarding food. I ended up back in hospital for 9 days! Especially the surgeon was so cavalier, when I returned to hospital I let my admitting ER doc keep him out of it. Plus he was a "GENERAL" surgeon. Big difference. I think that YOUR videos should be mandatory for anyone new to this initially jarring experience, as was mine, having only 12 hours notice!
I'm sorry you went through that. I'll never understand why any hospital could do that, and it happens often!
We had no help either. My husband and I are really struggling, he has cancer as well. Thank you
I'm sorry to hear that you've been left without help. Do you have access to a dietitian or stoma nurse who can work with you and your husband to come up with a game plan? I think various cancer orgs may be able to pull up a few extra resources as well.
Best of luck to you both.
Your videos are awesome. There's a lot a good information that nobody tells...
Thank you❕️
Thank you ❕️
Thank you ❕️
I appreciate that!
Can you also please give some tips on what I can and cannot eat....thank you
Hi Adele, along with the video and the accompanying article (www.veganostomy.ca/ostomy-diet-what-to-eat-first-six-weeks/) it can sometimes depend on the person, type of surgery, and whether they have any other illnesses or concerns to work around.
Do you have an ileostomy or colostomy? And how long since your surgery?
Generally speaking, colostomates can eat pretty much anything without worrying too much about how they chew, but ileostomies need to be more cautious.
I always suggest starting slow with new foods, chew really well, and introduce new foods slowly. You may also want to speak with your surgeon, stoma nurse, or a registered dietitian for more specific recommendations.
@@VeganOstomy I had a ileostomy op on the 24 Feb this yeas..
So you're still in the recovery phase. That link above should help, but do take it slow, especially if you're constipated from your meds.
@@VeganOstomy thank you so much for your help...
Hi Eric! Your videos are so informative and you don’t waste time talking about things that are off topic … you get right to the point 😊 I had ostomy surgery 3 weeks ago and have lost quite a bit of weight. I’m trying to build my system and my strength up as I’ve got chemo coming up soon. I was wondering if you could recommend a vegan protein powder that doesn’t have greens as I have to try to increase my protein intake and I’m vegetarian (no meat) but have been eating some fish (locally caught) and eggs (cage free) to help with my protein intake, as I can’t eat beans, lentils or chickpeas with my ostomy.
Good luck with everything, Lyn! For protein powder, I've been a fan of Vega for years, so check to see if they have anything in their lineup that suits your requirements. They also have meal replacement powder if you're looking to gain more weight. Take care!
Hi Eric, This is Theresa DiBiasi (but I changed my user name) So anyway, I just wanted to tell you that my ileostomy was moved from 11/16 to 11/30; and it was changed from a regular ileostomy to an ileostomy with a colectomy and my rectum will be sewn closed so I'll have a "Barbie Butt". And since you're my #1 go to ostomate, was wondering if you can give me some other pointers. Also, on the site called Inspire, I was told it would be best if I bought a waffle cushion (not a donut as that pulls the "cheeks"apart. I also found out that the procedure time has been increased from 1-2 hours, to 5-6 hours; and the hospital stay from about 3 days to about 7, depending on my stoma function and other assorted issues. Oh, and where do I get an adult liquid vitamin? What's your take on all this? Thanks for being there for me, for all of us. Love, laughter & life Teri
The Dr. told me to eat “ anything” I wanted…….. found out that KFC’s slaw not only “ blew” up my bag with gas but I was seeing slaw and carrot pieces that hadn’t been digested !🤦♀️ no more slaw for me. My ostomy bag may or may not be permanent……. It’s a preventative measure while I go through chemotherapy and radiation for rectal Cancer with sphenture damage. Thank you for this video, it was very helpful .
Hi Becky. You'll likely find that some foods will affect your output more than others. You should be able to figure out which foods cause no issues by keeping a food diary 👌
I know you are probably very busy and haven’t made videos lately, but would you consider one about tips for vegans with an Ostomy? I am a vegan about to have an iliostomy surgery and I am concerned about what to eat.
All of my videos dealing with diet have a plant-based focus to them, so they'll be useful to you. In fact, all of my content will be appropriate for vegans, since that's why I started. My website has quite a bit more content and an active community forum if you have any questions 😄 👉 www.veganostomy.ca
As a Vegan what did you eat for the first 6 weeks?
I am a vegetarian and will have a Stoma in a months time. There is absolutely no information pertaining to a vegetarian diet after surgery.
Can I have quinoa, millet, polenta, couscous? Can I have vegetable smoothies and fruit smoothies? Can I freely eat yogurt, cheese, butter, milk?
Is fruit juice OK? Is decaf coffee and tea OK. Also herb teas?
I would be grateful for any advice as I have to get in supplies.
Hey Michael, I do have a list of "safe" foods for the first six weeks, along with some additional details about what I ate (see the "further reading" section) in this written article: www.veganostomy.ca/ostomy-diet-what-to-eat-first-six-weeks/
As a general rule, keep things simple and easy to digest in the first little while; chew as well as you can; cook vegetables, if possible, but smootheis are usually fine.
Juice, coffee and tea are "safe", but they may increase your output, so monitor things as you consume more.
Good luck :)
@@VeganOstomy Thanks Eric. I read everything. So useful. Compliments and thanks to you.
Where are you? Hope everything is good. Haven’t seen you for so long.
Hey Carol! Thanks for asking! Life has not afforded me the time to make new videos, although I'm still very busy with VeganOstomy through my forum, emails that come in, and private messages. I have so many videos planned!
I am still figuring out the best way to keep my "Monster",(that's his name :), from leaking with my swollen surgery site. I'm very glad to have found this channel, (along with a friend who also has one named- "Pucker")
When did you have your surgery, Jaime? Swelling usually lasts about a month or so, and I recommend more frequent appliance changes (maybe once a day) to keep up to the change in stoma size until it stabilizes.
I hope you're doing well! I'm learning in advance, my surgery will be late March 2020.I am thinking my ostomy will be Ozzie the ostomy.
Just try NOT to get him a mate named Harriet :) . I also, get another surgery and procedure this month and next! My little "Monster" may be put back inside-and I don't know how I feel about that? I hated his guts,(no pun intended), up until about the past couple of weeks. Now I'm actually, entertaining the idea of keeping him indefinitely??? I have decreased in swelling and become proficient at bag changing and keeping him from leaking. My "little Monster " is a shy one! He's hard to see being an inn-e, not an out-e, which makes leaking harder to control Also, from learning what combination of product's work well and those that don't, (a huge improvement), for him. Not to mention that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Adapt odor remover product that works like a miracle-like no smell-it's crazy good). What products do you use? I prefer a 2 piece. Stopper plug because it's an ileostomy. Not to be gross but I ate a whole plate of veggies this morning and well let's just say that I probably won't be drinking "Green Monster" juice from Jamba anymore-and I thought my humor was 'off-colored' before "Monster" came into my life? ;) What brand do you use? I am a Hollister devotee but I know other's that hate them? It's weird how certain one's work for other's and not for you, ya know? I thought I had tried all the brands of Ostomy out there BUT I just came across the brand "Coloplast" and there "Brava" line and ordered some free samples to try=I am looking forward to giving them a go, since I've heard a lot of good things about them. Especially, I really want to try there adhesive paste that takes a bit longer to dry because it's alcohol free but they say it has a very fresh scent, not chemically? It's a fun time in life when our excitement meter run's up to the top expecting Ostomy supplies eh? Good luck to you on your surgery and keep us updated. I had a really, really, great name for an Ostomy but I've forgotten it? If I think of it I'll add on and anyone that wishes to read and use it can? Good luck on your surgery! Ciao
BTW-I also hold conversations' with my "Monster". The surprising thing is? He talks back! ;)
Generally, how soon after surgery are patients taken off clear liquids and progressed into solid foods?
+Veggie Bee It depends on how quickly your stoma "wakes up". Once you start getting a bit of gas and output from your stoma, you would be put on solids right away. It may only take a day to two after surgery for this to happen.
BTW, your intelligent, well I researched video give me back some of my power. Right now I'm dealing with low stoma input and UTI not caused by ecological but one that is hard to treat. Macrobid isn't working very well. I'm waiting to hear from the urology nurse. I've seen a saw a nurse practioner who brushed off possible kidney stones despite severe left flank pain. Still waiting. It's hard to find enough canned veggies I can eat. Also struggling to find the appliances that are right for meAt three weeks, I'm a typical new ostomate. My weight goes up and down but not up over 100 yet.Three weeks down!
You'll get the hang of things with experience. I do hope that you find answers to what's going on.
I REALLY appreciate your videos. I'm still waiting to get a date for mine but I think my guts are doing their final encore at the moment, can't wait to say goodbye:)
My guts were acting horribly, even right up to the night I stayed at the hotel the day before surgery. You'll be doing a happy dance soon!
Thank you for this showing me and telling me I must refuse the surgery for colon resection. I would never adjust to an ostomy and would be fucking miserable every single minute. You just made my surgery decision.
Yikes. I hope I didn't give that impression. I've been able to do more since my surgery than I ever have before. Not sure what your current situation is, but I wouldn't dismiss surgery if it can lead to a more fulfilling life. Best of luck to you. If you'd like to discuss this in private, please feel free to email me at veganostomy@gmail.com.
my mums going in for perm ileoostomy surgery in 1 hour... please can you advise me what i should expect and what i can do to help her recover fast and well...
+monanis She should listen to what her doctor and stoma nurse have to say. Recovery can take a month or longer, but she'll start to feel better after a few weeks. I was on 5km hikes a month after my surgery, but everyone is different. Good luck to your mom!
thank u for replying...im just so anxious, nervous, scared angry going crazy.... she been on the table since 9.30 so im hoping she should be done in a few hours.... im just screwed up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
my email is smonani@gmail.com would it be possible for me to contact u if ok....
+monanis She'll be fine :) You can email me anytime at veganostomy@gmail.com if you have questions about anything.
Very informative thank you so much
You're welcome. 😄
Thank you for your help
3 week since my operation I do worry about not eating fruit for my health and veg but my stoma nurse said keep of them for now I do worry am not getting enough healthy foods in me
You shouldn't have to avoid fruits and vegetables this early on, so there are other ways of being able to eat them. For example you can make smoothies, blended soups, you can skin a lot of vegetables and cook them well so they become very soft and easy to digest. There are quite a few ways that allow you to get in that nutrition without avoiding those foods. 👌
@@VeganOstomy thankyou
@@VeganOstomythankyou il try and eat soft veg
Hi, I have a 7 weeks old temporary ileostomy and the output is very liquid. Aware that this is close to the norm, however I’ve been told I need to add ‘something’ to my diet that will bulk it up some. Do not remember what I need to add to my diet, total blank. I’m not expecting formed stool like when one has a colostomy. Also, any recommendations on delaying the digestion process, to allow more time for nutrient absorption? Been given a Rx with atropine as the main ingredient, however, I’d like to reduce the number of prescription medication, not add another one. This medication will slow down the motility, delaying evacuation. At this time, I’m ‘working’ at 1-2 hours from eating to emptying my pouch. Is this too fast or somewhat the norm? As always, thank you for the informative videos!
Yes, it is normal, but there are foods you can try to help thicken things up and slow things down. What happens when you eat potatoes (including potato chips and fries) or pasta? Those foods are known to thicken output, but you may need to experiment with the type and quantity you consume. Oatmeal may also help. I would suggest keeping a food diary to see if certain foods make things better or worse and adjust as you go along. Depending on how long you have this stoma, your body may adjust on its own as well, and it may not be as liquid over time (assuming you haven't lost any small bowel). Best of luck to you!
Thank you for the feedback. Unfortunately, I don’t eat a lot of starches, but I’ll give it a try. My diet consists mostly of yogurt! I lost some parts of the small bowel when ileostomy was done. I’ll take your suggestions and see if it helps. Thank you again!
You'll definitely want to tune up your diet then. It probably has the most influence over the consistency and frequency of our bowl movements.
Thank you!
I just seen your post from 2 months ago, how is it going?
I'm sorry this is so late! Thank you for that! I've had my ileostomy for 9 months now. Unfortunately I can't eat small meals throughout the day because of my job. I try to drink a lot of water but im not sure what to do about eating throughout the day. My doctor wants me eating 6 times a day. But my work doesn't let me. Even though they know of my condition 😑
I'm sorry to hear about that. Is there any way you could get a doctor's note stating that you need to eat throughout the day? It's concerning that your work wouldn't recognize your condition in this case since it may actually be covered under the ADA. Good luck!
Wow thanks for all of this. At this writing (1:42 am on 4/27/18) I am lay9ng 8n a hospital bed reading all of this . Had my surgery on the 23rd small bowel reduction with temporary iliostomy bag. Have seen two ostomy nurses they have given me two list that counterdic each other. Seems I'm scared of everything form eating wrong foods to bag falling off i feel like the next eight weeks will revolve around this bag!!
Best of luck to you, James. You'll adapt and adjust pretty quickly - don't be discouraged by all this new information and you'll be fine!
Hope things are going better for you! I have an ileostomy that’s about 7 weeks old now and i still feel like my life revolves around it. It’s supposed to be reversed at some point and can’t wait for it!
How much protein can be taken with ilostomy
As much as what would be considered healthy for your weight, age, and activity level. More protein than you need isn't good for your kidneys.
Ok, so where do I go to get tips on a colostomy diet?
You can follow the same guidelines, but generally speaking, colostomates don't have the same restrictions and won't need to be as cautious.
I have sticky and sore little divots in my skin near my flange, what could this be and how do I treat it?
It's possible that those are granuloma, but a nurse would have to look and treat it. Do you have access to a stoma nurse? If not, you might need to speak to your doctor about it.
I’m always amazed to hear that people are sent home without any advice about post-op diet etc. This is scandalous. I had such good care throughout, from the moment I was told I would have to have an ileostomy, right up till now, with my continuing care 4 1/2 years on. I cannot sing their praises highly enough. Our wonderful NHS!
For rehydration I used to make up St. Mark’s solution - to 1 litre of water, add salt, baking soda and glucose (can’t remember quantities I’m afraid, but details online). It’s pretty boring and horrible to drink so I used to flavour it with a bit of cordial. Since I started making kombucha I now make up a fabulous drink: juice of 1 lemon, 1 tsp salt (I use Himalayan pink rock salt which has additional trace minerals), 1 tab maple syrup, 1/2 cup kombucha, 1 cup coconut water, all topped up with filtered water, blitz in a blender, pour into a bottle and store in the fridge. I drink this throughout every day.
Dioralyte is good for rehydration too but it’s expensive.
Chewing... ah, yes! ( lots of chewing burns calories too lol!). After my ileostomy surgery my theme tune became “The Chattanooga Choo-Choo” lol - I found a fabulous rendering by the Andrews Sisters on RUclips! Everyone needs to chew their food properly, not just ostomates. It’s the first part of the digestive process, and it also causes the body to kick in certain hormones that trigger satiety and so on, and aid with maintenance of a healthy weight. Very good advice about eating mindfully, too. Eating is such great pleasure anyway, and shouldn’t be rushed. Look at how the healthiest people on earth eat. They celebrate mealtimes, sharing fellowship with friends and family, lingering over their meals and relishing every bite.
Please tell us how to eat post-op if you are a healthy vegan eater. A whole-foods, plant-based diet is very rich in fibre. The low-residue post-op diet isn’t exactly healthy from that point of view!
Before my surgery, for about a year I had been doing the 5:2 (“fast”) diet and was advised by my surgeon to stop this for the duration of my treatment - prep for surgery, surgery, recovery and chemo, in order for my body to get all the nutrients it needed to recover. I lost 14 lb in hospital but during the rest of the year, gained it all back again, and lost only 1 lb that year, but that didn’t really matter. My diet was back on track again once my treatment was finished.
Thank you for a brilliant video, full of good, practical advice as always!
So awesome! I've lost 41 pounds since my ileostomy began. It's been a 1 month. My diet is salmon & tuna packs, jello, applesauce and lots of gatorade and water. My surgeon had me get a sports powder that is concentrated amino acids and electrolites to help me. I loose bags of liquid all day long. I mean as soon as I drink it comes out in like 2-3 minutes. Oh, and he just added eggs and mashed potatoes.
i have realized how much I DON'T chew! I have had to be super aware of that.
I didn't realize either but I think I'm making good progress. Good luck with your efforts.
Very helpful thank you
Thanks for watching, Carol!
I have a ileostomy when i eat salads or veg bits of it come out looking exactly the same as it did when i ate it iv had the stoma for 7 months,, I never noticed it before i but iv been eating more salad lately, is the small intestine not absorbing the nutrients in salads , basically is there any point to me eating these foods do they give me health benefits still , i was thinking to take a vitamin tablet , but i dont know if they would get absorbed either , dont know if vitamin tablets work even
Hi Daisy, keep in mind that salads/fruits/vegetables will NOT break down much past your mouth - you have to make sure that you chew your salad as well as possible so that all of the nutrients come out. It's normal to see some of the leftover bits that haven't been chewed really well, but you shouldn't see too much of it if you've chewed well enough. If you do decide to take vitamins, have a look at this article: www.veganostomy.ca/medication-supplements-ileostomy/
Make sure your Dr knows. They might do bloodwork. Mine did the same. Malabsorption of things like lettuce which provide vitamin K for the body can lead to blood clots forming. I just had 2 pulmonary emboli due to malabsorption issues, and they weren't the first blood clots I had. I'm on xarelto for life now. Just to let you know that I'm not spitting out nonsense, I'm an ICU nurse of 17 years. Take care!
I am getting my ileostomy in 2 weeks. Can I drink protein shakes. Thank you
I would ask your surgeon if there is any dietary protocol they'd like you to follow leading up to your surgery and during your recovery phase.
I think a protein shake would generally be safe, but it's better to check in with your surgeon just to be sure.
Good luck with everything! 😀
my mom like to eat butter with bread. could she eat butter after surgery?
I don't need butter, or any dairy, but I do eat vegan margarine and it's never been an issue. I don't see any reason why your mom wouldn't be able to eat butter with bread following surgery. In fact, it may be recommended since it's easy to digest.
What protein powder did you use, were there any specifics you looked for with the protein powder? I was given some recovery drinks but they are not vegan so I was hoping to stick to my vegan diet and find a vegan protein powder with added vitamins similar to this beverage they gave me instead. I haven't had my surgery yet so this is all new to me.
I was using this after surgery, but there are so many vegan protein powders available now: www.veganostomy.ca/vegan-meal-replacement-what-ive-settled-on-updated-oct-16-2013/
The brand "Vega" has some products that are available everywhere and would be fortified, too!
Vegan Ostomy great thank you. I love the Vega products, probably my most favorite of my protein powders!
Then you're all set =) Good luck.
So is my body absorbing the antibiotics through the iliostomy, in your opinion?
That might be a good question to ask the pharmacist. Different antibiotics may absorb at differeent rates and in different parts of the GI tract. If there was any doubt, you may be able to get it deliveed through another way (i.e. intravenously).
What foods can you eat with a ostomy bag
Me personally? Anything I like, as long as I'm mindful about how I prepare and consume it. Most ileostomates will have to exercise caution with certain foods, and many colostomates can return to the diet they are used to. There are certain factors that may warrant exercising additional caution, like having a history of blockages.
Is normal to feel a sharp pain just once now and then?
I think it's common (I experience that too from time to time), especially when passing output, but I wouldn't consider it "normal" in the sense that you shouldn't experience pain without reason. This does happen more in the months following surgery, since things are still healing up.
And there could be plenty of reasons for sharp pain, from the appliance being cut too close/tight or an obstruction.
I would run it by your stoma nurse or Dr. if you have concerns.
Is it possible that having an ileostomy can cause lactose intolerance, because usually every time I have something with milk in it I end up with persistent diarrhea... but no other symptoms, this never happened before I got my ostomy.
I haven't heard of that happening, but perhaps your family doctor might be able to test for lactose intolerance.
@@VeganOstomy Well, thank you anyway.🙂
Thank you for this
My pleasure. 👋
Since my operation I've been drinking a nutrisure shake with fruit everyday, but it seems to make me constipated...is there anything else I can take with all the neccessary vitamins in?
Hi Adele,
If you want to stick with nutritional shakes, I think there are quite a few products available depending on where you live. I would speak with a registered dietitian for specific recommendations.👍
@@VeganOstomy thank you so much. Can you also advise if I can take canibis oil while I'm on chemo and radiation. My ostomy nurse said it's the pain medication that makes me constipated.
That would be something to discuss with your doctor. Your nurse is correct that certain pain meds (usually opioids) will constipate.
GOOD INFO
Yeah don't even try and risk it. Was eating stuff like tacos with shredded lettuce in it. Thought it was okay since on the paper my dietitian gave me mentioned that a bit of shredded lettuce on a sandwich was okay. It would be weeks later and every now and then I would have a burrito or a taco with shredded lettuce in it and I would be fine until I had a blockage yesterday and it was incredibly painful. Like a stomach cramp x20. Luckily the blockage passed through and popped out my stoma after getting multiple Xrays and CT scans. Having an unnecessary ambulance ride to another hospital for a surgeon to check I felt completely back to normal so they let me go. Was pretty scary.
That's a shame you've had to go through that. When this happened, how soon after your surgery was it? It took me about two years to be able to confidently eat what want. It also depends on what else is Goin on inside (i.e. Strictures, narrowing of the bowel, etc). Unless there's something else going on, the ostomy alone should not deter you from easing your way into a wider menu.
Well the thing is it's only been 4 weeks since surgery so that's probably why. And last night I woke up with a pretty bad fever with some vomiting but there wasn't any cramping. Only lasted for like 30 minutes and was still getting output so not sure if that was a minor blockage or not.
Ah, yeah. 4 weeks is still very early for stuff like that. I don't believe a blockage would cause a fever, so I'd suggest letting your doctor know about it.
Take Imodium 4 to 6 a day life will be much easier and you can get a good nights sleep
I had my surgery only 2 weeks ago and I also didn’t get nothing said about what to eat when I go home yes it’s disgusting I had to ask my stomach nurse but she only knew so much
I wish more patients were given guidance when it comes to diet, especially in the beginning when it's most important. But so many of us have to kind of figure it out on our own, or rely on each other to provide information.
Thanks for your videos. I'm eight weeks out of surgery. how did you begin eating fruits and veggies? slowly? one at a time? MyMD has told me i will never be able to eat raw fruits and veggies
So, how do you do it?
Shame on your MD if that's what you were told. Unless you have some underlying medical condition that prohibits you from eating raw fruits or veg, an ostomy should not be a problem.
My suggestions for fruits and veg would be:
- Deskin and deseed everything at first.
- Try canned fruit and veg to start (these should be super easy to digest).
- Try small amounts at first and see how things go. Do you notice any food chunks when emptying your bag? Then that indicates that you'll need to chew better.
- Keep a food diary and make note of any foods that are difficult for you or change your output too much.
Start slow -> Keep quantities to a minimum -> Chew!
Best of luck!
@@VeganOstomy I would give the same advice about avoiding raw vegetables and fruit pulp such as oranges and pineapple. Also better to eat ripe and soft fruits.
Perfect timing - thank you for advice! I really need to chew chew chewwwww!!
🚂
Thank you so much for this advice! I am two days out of hospital and five days out of surgery. I’m going to download that app you mentioned it seems very helpful
Just a quick question. How do you get your food "chewed" when you don't have teeth and can't wear dentures?
Blending would be the first choice. I would not recommend eating foods that have to be chewed if you are unable to do it. I know a few people on my support forum recommended to another user that they look into dental implants, if that's an option for you. Good luck !
I looked but it's outside of my budget. Thanks for responding tho. I appreciate it. :)
@@BanjoDoje I'm sorry to hear that. Another, rather unconventional, option is baby food and baby cereal. I've eaten it myself and it's very easy to digest without any chewing - the taste may be bland, so you'll likely want to season/flavor it some how.
Your videos are amazing so informative cant thank you enough.
You are so welcome!
Thank you. Surgery in 3 days....
Wishing you all the best!
How was it?
Just found this. Can I ask, would you have smoothies. Having a bit of a problem with Iron, B12 and Folate levels.
Smoothies are generally "safe" in most contexts. Make sure you talk to your doctor and a registered dietitian about your deficiencies. B12 should be easy to supplement (and you may need to depending on your illness/surgery location), and iron may need supplementation until you can eat a more balanced diet. Folate is found in many foods, so this may be easy to get. The biggest concern is whether your body can absorb what you're eating, and that can depend on your health. If your small bowels are compromised (i.e. Crohn's disease), it may be more difficult to absorb these nutrients. Best of luck!
Loop Ileostomy and colon resection & anastomosis due to bowel cancel in sigmoid . All clear from cancer now phew. 3 weeks post surgery. Thank you so much for your information. It’s much appreciated. Previously a very healthy nut, seed and whole grain diet so this is taking some getting used to.
It will take time, so go slowly. I do recommend keeping a good diary to keep a log of what's been working and which foods you should avoid (in the short term).
@@sarahhardy8649 Hey same here. Surviving 10 years since surgery, skipped chemo. But well and healthy. Am 61 now. How you doing?
Great video! So things like baby food, fruit/green smoothies and veggie based smoothies/pureed soups (seeds removed, of course), green juices, coconut water, green powders and other super food powders and protein powders added to juices/smoothies are all OK? I'm raw vegan, so I'm thinking that while at the hospital, I'll bring a variety of baby food jars, green juices, and coconut water or nut milk (and mixing in spirulina, barley grass juice powder, and protein powder)... Does this sound ok? I have to basically stay grain/gluten free due to food allergies and issues thoroughly masticating food due to bad tmj.
At my two-week post-op with the surgeon, he said I could go ahead and eat raw fruits and vegetables! I said NO WAY! It is hard enough getting enough water and electrolyte balance. No dairy ! Even Lactaid! at least for now. I was so shocked. I have trouble chewing slowly, always have! Imagine mushy canned carrots coming through untouched! I fill up so quickly even with small meals so I worry about malnutrition.
You know your body best! I think two weeks is too soon if you have an ileostomy, but when you feel ready, start really slowly and see how things pass through. Good luck!
Thank you so much
You're most welcome
so helpful and informative !!!
Why do you wait 6 weeks before eating nuts, etc?
High risk of blockages because the stoma remains swollen for up to six weeks. Colostomy stomas likely don't need to wait that long.
@@VeganOstomy Oh, thank you!
Does coffee cause you to have diarrhea?, I seem to have that problem with caffeine ever since I got my ostomy. Also I do want to go vegetarian or even vegan for ethical reasons but I feel like if I have too much plant material in my diet it can cause either diarrhea constipation or even blockages... Did you become a vegan before or after your surgery?, or were you always a vegan?
Coffee can cause some people to have loose output (even if they don't have a stoma!). Do you think it's the coffee or caffeine? If you try decaf, what happens?
I was vegan for about 13 years before my surgery, and have been for nearly 10 since. Blockages can be a worry for some, mostly if food isn't being chewed properly, but I've had no issues after the first year. I don't limit myself at all, but I am mindful of how I chew.
@@VeganOstomy I think it's the coffee, I have no problem with caffeine rich teas... I also get the runs when I order a sausage and egg Mcmuffin. I keep trying to remind my mom to order different items but she always seems to forget.
Plus, she's broke.
That's a shame. Coffee is hit and miss for some people, even if they've never had problems in the past.
@Lucy's Disability Support Group That's wonderful to hear! I had my first Beyond Meat burger when I was in Philadelphia, but they've started selling their products here in Ontario, Canada since then! Keep exploring more food options. I think you'll find that many products will either taste the same or better than what you'd expect 😁
Thankyou very much
Love the info you put out there! I'm a 7 time surgery ostomate, with my last procedure done in November 2015.
I'm now eating raw veggies, nuts, and raw fruit again, after my 6 week waiting period.
I'm also a previous competitive amateur kickboxer, and have been working on regaining my lifestyle again.
Check out my channel for videos which show some of my training, diet, and general lifestyle with an ostomy. :)
STOMATHELETE , HOLY CRAP!!! I feel like such a wimp :(
Hey Eric, have you ever had a fast whilest having ostomy? Or anybody else who has experience to share? Thanks 😊
Yes! From days to up to a week. It basically turns off the stoma, and I'll only get a small amount of bile/fluid in the bag throughout the day, with slightly more gas than usual.
I've used it both strategically (i.e. before a trip), but also when I've been sick and didn't want to/couldn't eat.
Provided that you are in good health, I see no harm in short fasts with an ostomy. If you are planning a long fast (weeks), then I'd suggest consulting with a professional, as that could be dangerous.
@@VeganOstomy very interesting! I just had a one week fast and my bag was full with fluid all day long. I felt as I was loosing a lot of fluid! Too much! At times I didn't feel well.
I am an experienced faster, but this was a very different experience.
Thanks for taking your time to answer!
@@SusanneKARGER Since I hate liquid output, I usually have to use gelling products in my bag.
And the amount of liquid that comes out is generally proportional to the amount of fluid you drink. Sometime, this amount can be a lot (visually), but never near the same volume of what my output would be with regular meals.
How long have you had your ostomy for, and is it an ileostomy or colostomy?
@@VeganOstomy I have an ileostoma since March this year. And since I have a new system callled TIES (there's information on RUclips about it) , it's an implant, I've got a few problems. In November I'll have my 4th surgery this year. It works really well, but my body does not accept a foreign object. It rejects the implant and pushes it out. We replaced it one time and now it's the same again. They have to remove it an locate a conventional stoma on the other side. That means, there will be a huge scar on the right side of my belly.
I really hope, that the new stoma will work as properly as this one.
I have to try it out then, with the fast. Fasting is part of my life for years, I would really miss this practice if it wouldn't work.
@@SusanneKARGER Oh wow! We've had members on my support forum asking about the TIES system. I think they'll love to hear from your experience! But I'm sorry to hear that it hasn't been accepted by your body :(
Continue to experiment with fasting. It took my body several years to "calm down" and my output was unpredictable during that time. As you have your stoma longer, your small intestine will begin to take on some tasks that your colon would normally have to do, namely, reabsorbing fluids that pass through. This should help in the long-term with the liquid output and should make it more manageable.
Prayers for me please...just had surgery and stoma 😢
Take things slow, and learn what you can. You'll be fine 👍👍 Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Would even 1 cup of coffee be bad? I live on black coffee and diet coke all day. No food until dinner.
+Theresa DiBiasi Hehe. Coffee isn't "bad" for most people, but some ostomates find it causes liquid output. There's no need to stop drinking it,as long you understand this can happen (many ostomates continue to drink coffee and diet soft drinks).
+Theresa DiBiasi Hehe. Coffee isn't "bad" for most people, but some ostomates find it causes liquid output. There's no need to stop drinking it,as long you understand this can happen (many ostomates continue to drink coffee and diet soft drinks).
You just made my day, thanks so much. And yeah, I really do need to start eating better. ;-)
Is there any serious natural gas killers that work excellent for someone with an osteomy?.Someone has got to know something that works like magic I hope...........please do tell.Great video brother..........
Hey Virgil, because there could be several reasons for someone to have gas, there may be several things to consider in order to help reduce it. I list many of those things in this article: www.veganostomy.ca/ostomy-pouch-ballooning/ Good luck!
Love the links
Except my output is to thick after surgery 😭
Ileostomy or colostomy? What are you eating normally and how much do you drink?
Is your astomy temporary?
Permanent. I never had an option for reversal.
I was told regular diet is fine. No it is not. A friend brought me a very tasty salad Polynesian style. I ate only a small portion and todayI STINK also bad …. This is the first time this has happened in my almost 4 weeks post op.
You'll learn what works for you and what doesn't. It took over a year before I felt comfortable eating, and I still had to experiment and be cautious. You'll get there 👍
All they told me was high fibre and protein to help heal...
High fiber? Thats surprising as usually they'd tell you the opposite, at least at first. Protein is needed for healing, for sure.
All of the foods Ileostomates cannot eat my Colon cannot tolerate.
🙁 I'm sorry to hear that.
Nobody told me ANY of this! I had steak the other day and it was a nightmare!!! Your videos are amazing! I just need to slow my surgeon down and ask more questions! They like to duck and run...
Thank goodness I found you because no one said a word about diet.
Same here! I had to find out myself. Ten days after surgery they served me coleslaw for lunch. Don't ask...
So true. I'm still in the hospital. They told me to go from clear liquids to full diet. No instruction on what to eat and the dangers.