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Difficult Foods

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(@john68)
Joined: 6 years ago
Posts: 2021
Topic starter  

Hi Folks, In another topic I seen a member ask about certain foods and how they past the same as they go in or just having problems with them. I know like most of you I left hospital with a list of what to eat and what not. I know their are some ostomates who are more prone to blockages and yes we all  have to be careful. For me mushrooms will pass just as they go in. I do find that if I cook them whole and chew well they are easy enough to pass rather than chop them up. Lettuce no mater how chewed will be the same for me when passed. For these difficult foods how they are prepped or cooked is key and remember digestion starts in the mouth so those teeth are their for a reason lol. After surgery new foods should be introduced one at a time.

ileostomy 31st August 1994 for Crohns


   
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Tony H
(@tony-h)
Joined: 7 years ago
Posts: 265
 

mushrooms and dry roasted peanuts are the only foods I really keep away from , I tried mushrooms accidentally (in a take away curry) and it really hurt coming out , the peanuts are another big no no , I chanced a few handfuls last week and they nearly killed me , lettuce I can eat no problem but it looks the same coming out but causes no problems , I think since getting my ostomy I have been able to eat nearly everything , my wife hates me because I eats whatever I want and don't put on much weight .


   
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VeganOstomy
(@veganostomy)
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As a little test, if the food isn't something you're able to mash with your fingers, it'll be difficult to "digest". That said, our teeth can do a lot more than our finger, but we have to remember this while we eat!

Most fruits and vegetables contain some form of cellulose that won't really "digest", so you'll see them in your output - these are harmless for the most part, but seeing large chunks could mean you aren't chewing well enough. 

Eating mushrooms (something I do often) can be risky because if you forget to chew, you're pretty much guaranteed that it'll come out in one piece - make sure you aren't eating whole mushrooms or large chunks ;) 

Just your friendly neighborhood ostomate.
~ Crohn's Disease ¦ Ileostomy ~


   
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(@ileo_chopper)
Joined: 5 years ago
Posts: 20
 

so far so good! im lucky so far i havent had any trouble eating what i like. yeah somethings come out the same as they went in no biggie.. also one thing to keep in the for front is im an incredibly slow eater i really chew/enjoy my food.  if your eating a meal in less than 5 minutes your probably eating to fast and swallowing things in big chunks. also another thing to keep in mind is beverages during eating. i personally try not to drink to much with my meal drinking a large glass of water then eating can change the pH in your stomach and makes it difficult to breakdown some of the food in your stomach. these are a few things i keep in mind when im eating. anyone else do something similar?


   
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(@bubbles)
Joined: 6 years ago
Posts: 244
 
Posted by: ileo_chopper

so far so good! im lucky so far i havent had any trouble eating what i like. yeah somethings come out the same as they went in no biggie.. also one thing to keep in the for front is im an incredibly slow eater i really chew/enjoy my food.  if your eating a meal in less than 5 minutes your probably eating to fast and swallowing things in big chunks. also another thing to keep in mind is beverages during eating. i personally try not to drink to much with my meal drinking a large glass of water then eating can change the pH in your stomach and makes it difficult to breakdown some of the food in your stomach. these are a few things i keep in mind when im eating. anyone else do something similar?

Yes the Mayo Clinic recommends no more than 1/4 cup of fluids with a meal with an Ostomy .


   
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(@john68)
Joined: 6 years ago
Posts: 2021
Topic starter  

Thats interesting and some thing I have never really thought about. I tend to drink a pint glass of water with my meals, but going to give this a try. Makes sense when you think about it.

ileostomy 31st August 1994 for Crohns


   
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VeganOstomy
(@veganostomy)
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Posted by: Bubbles
 
Yes the Mayo Clinic recommends no more than 1/4 cup of fluids with a meal with an Ostomy .
I'd be interested in seeing that reference. All I could find is this:

If you're unsure how foods will affect you, consider trying them at home, one at a time, before eating them in public. Knowing how each food affects your digestion means you'll spend less time worrying about the food's effects and more time having fun with friends.

It may help to chew your food thoroughly and drink plenty of water.

 
The Mayo Clinic does address the question of whether drinking with meals harms digestion:

There's no concern that water will dilute the digestive juices or interfere with digestion. In fact, drinking water during or after a meal actually aids digestion.

Water is essential for good health. Water and other liquids help break down food so that your body can absorb the nutrients. Water also softens stool, which helps prevent constipation.

Looking for other ways to promote good digestion? Focus on a healthy lifestyle. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Maintain a healthy weight. Include physical activity in your daily routine.

 

Just your friendly neighborhood ostomate.
~ Crohn's Disease ¦ Ileostomy ~


   
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(@john68)
Joined: 6 years ago
Posts: 2021
Topic starter  

Interesting , I always thought I was doing the right thing drinking with meals. And as I said I can see the point raised has logic. Making my evening meal, can someone get back to me quickly lol

ileostomy 31st August 1994 for Crohns


   
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VeganOstomy
(@veganostomy)
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Posted by: john68

Interesting , I always thought I was doing the right thing drinking with meals. 

You are! There is no risk or danger with drinking fluids during your meals. I would argue that the benefits of helping to prevent blockages outweigh any perceived risk of poor digestion (which we know is not a concern).

 

Just your friendly neighborhood ostomate.
~ Crohn's Disease ¦ Ileostomy ~


   
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Robert
(@njewell1)
Joined: 7 years ago
Posts: 699
 

Wow I try to make it a point to drink a lot of water when I eat to try and help things pass . Never thought it could be working the opposite of what I was trying to do . Does make sense in a way though .

I eat a lot of meat (sorry Eric) and don't seem to have any problems passing it through . But Corn is the one for me no matter how good you chew it comes out like it goes in . But I was born in a big Corn producing state so of course I do like my corn !!!

Proctectomy , Ileostomy , Ulcerative Colitis


   
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(@ileo_chopper)
Joined: 5 years ago
Posts: 20
 

not to beat a dead horse... this article is interesting and is food for thought.   https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/drinking-with-meals#section4 at the end of the day  you will find what works for you and what doesn't. i personally do not drink much during meal times. largely due to the fact that i would rather fill up on food rather than liquid.

side bar... i also started taking super digestive enzymes (helps create more fluid to be absorbed through cell walls) and i have noticed a difference in energy level! basically it helps  you get more out of your food. anyone else try something similar?


   
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VeganOstomy
(@veganostomy)
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Posted by: ileo_chopper

i personally do not drink much during meal times. largely due to the fact that i would rather fill up on food rather than liquid,

I'm the same! I'd rather have a few extra slices of pizza in my rather than a large glass of water ;) 

Just your friendly neighborhood ostomate.
~ Crohn's Disease ¦ Ileostomy ~


   
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(@lilylifesaver)
Joined: 5 years ago
Posts: 9
 

I drink only a small amount of liquid with meals, sip on teas with stevia all through the day. I also can't sit and eat. Have to stand or lie down. I will start obstructing or prolapsing (whichever Lily chooses to do) if I eat sitting at a table. It is very embarrassing when eating out as I have to keep standing up, sitting down, run to the bathroom thinking I'm going to explode only to find that I have prolapsed 6 inches!!!

Lucy


   
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VeganOstomy
(@veganostomy)
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Posted by: lilylifesaver

 I will start obstructing or prolapsing (whichever Lily chooses to do) if I eat sitting at a table. It is very embarrassing when eating out as I have to keep standing up, sitting down, run to the bathroom thinking I'm going to explode only to find that I have prolapsed 6 inches!!!

I trust that your doctor knows about this? 

 

Just your friendly neighborhood ostomate.
~ Crohn's Disease ¦ Ileostomy ~


   
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(@lilylifesaver)
Joined: 5 years ago
Posts: 9
 

Eric, yes my dr knows about this. We've discussed a possible revision in the future. My surgery was done on an emergent basis, on a Sunday night of a holiday weekend so the stoma site did not get to be marked before surgery. I've also gained about 20 lbs since my surgery, I'm now 6 months post op.

I'm on disability right now and as hoping to be able to return to work. But I'm not sure that will ever happen. I'm not sure what to expect.

Lucy


   
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Songbringer
(@songbringer)
Joined: 6 years ago
Posts: 39
 

Sadly, I cannot consume lettuce or mushrooms at all. The last time I ate either of those (on separate occasions), I got obstructions that lasted a week, and the pain was out of this world as my stoma kept violently contracting and expanding trying to pass the food. I love salads with lettuce, but my body doesn't. I don't remember which of the two caused me more agony, but something tells me it was the mushrooms.


   
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(@msf1949)
Joined: 5 years ago
Posts: 1
 

I an a new estimate. I had colitis and in December I had an iliostomy installed.  I have so many food questions. It seems that all the healthy stuff I was eating before surgery is prohibited. I had become nearly vegetarian and now they tell me AI can't et most of the healthy veggies I ate, beans, greens, salad. All my favorites like cabbage and cole slaw. chickpeas, green peas. They tell me to eat lots f meat, cheese, white bread, white rice and white pasta. cNone of that is healthy. What m i TO DO. I'M NOW 6 WEEKS OUT AFTER 8 WEEKS I'M GONING TO START TRYING GOOD FOODS. I am craving a nice green salad and a pot of beans. 

Michel


   
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VeganOstomy
(@veganostomy)
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Posted by: msf1949

It seems that all the healthy stuff I was eating before surgery is prohibited.

Hi Michel, welcome to the forums!

Many patients are told to be extremely restrictive as a general rule, but I've found that it doesn't apply to everyone and most people are able to resume their regular diet after their recovery (which is usually after 6 weeks). 

You should make sure that your doctor clears you to try new foods, then take it very slow until you know how various foods affect you.

I've put together a guide that might help you ease into it :)

https://www.veganostomy.ca/ostomy-diet-beyond-recovery/

Just your friendly neighborhood ostomate.
~ Crohn's Disease ¦ Ileostomy ~


   
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Dona
 Dona
(@dona)
Joined: 7 years ago
Posts: 832
 

Welcome Michel,

As Eric says, there will be lots of things you will be able to eat. You are still healing up and they always advise a pretty restrictive diet at first. And, as Eric said, any concerns or questions should be taken up with medical professionals.

As you heal up you will probably find that chewing very well and eating small meals really helps. Its kind of a trial and error thing. Don't be afraid to spit out anything that doesn't chew down well...drink lots of water too. You can't absorb it anymore through your dearly departed colon.

 

Cooked vegetables and nut butters work well for me. Also pureed beans like hummus.

Read the link that Eric posted above...lots of helpful info here.

You will get the hang of this.

Onset of severe Ulcerative Colitus Oct.2012. Subtotal colectomy with illiostomy July 2015; Peristomal hernia repair ( Sugarbaker, mesh, laparoscopic) May 2017.


   
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(@john68)
Joined: 6 years ago
Posts: 2021
Topic starter  

Hi Michel, welcome, yep we all get told of a long list of off limit foods. I echo what Dona and Eric have said. Lots of green treats are still on the menu ????

ileostomy 31st August 1994 for Crohns


   
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