I was fortunate to have received quite a bit of information about what foods to eat (and avoid) following my ileostomy surgery. The information was quite important because it was aimed to not only prevent dehydration but also to avoid potential blockages.

Because our stoma swells up after surgery, we can’t eat meals that would be hard to pass through that swollen stoma.

Knowing how to reduce the risk of blockages is important (saving you a trip from the ER!).

Disclaimer: Your doctor or stoma nurse should be able to provide recommendations during this initial healing period. The usual time on this post-op diet is 6 weeks, but your surgeon may require you to be on it longer (or shorter) depending on your progress. This post focuses on ileostomy post-operative care based on my own experience. Many of the foods and suggestions that are given would apply to colostomies too.

Video

Dietary Goals for the First 6 Weeks

• Maintain adequate hydration and electrolyte balance.
• Avoid foods that are likely to cause blockages. These are often high-fiber or high-residue foods.
• Avoid food/beverages that increase output too much.
• Learn to chew! Practice mindful eating.
• Eat smaller meals throughout the day.
• Keep nutrition high. Vitamins, minerals, and protein will help you heal.
• Eat enough to maintain a healthy weight (or to increase it if you’re underweight).

Food to Eat and Avoid

Here’s a list of common foods that are deemed “safe” to eat following surgery, as well as common foods that should be avoided during the healing phase. I’ve compiled this list from various sources, but I’ve tailored it in a way that substitutes animal products; this means that anyone will be able to make use if this list.

Beverages

Grains

Fruits and Vegetables

Non-Dairy Products

Dairy alternatives:

• Non-dairy milk (soy, almond, hemp, coconut, rice, etc.).
• Non-dairy yogurt.
• Non-dairy cheese.
• Sorbet or non-dairy ice cream.

Avoid any of these products if they have fruit pieces in them (i.e. in yogurt).

Protein-Rich Foods

Fats and Oils

While these are usually foods to avoid for optimal health, they can be a source of much-needed calories during recovery and can help make bland foods more palatable.

• Vegan margarine.
• Vegan mayo.
• Oils are considered “safe” for new ileostomates, but olive and flax oil are the healthiest of the bunch.
• Coconut oil can be used to cook with, or as a spread on bread.

Other Foods and Supplements

Pro Tips

• If you have access to a Registered Dietitian that understands the challenges of having an ostomy (or IBD), you’ll be able to get a personalized meal plan through them. Here is an article I wrote about how to find a dietitian HERE.
• Try to have a variety of foods to make sure that you’re balancing nutrients.
• Keep a food diary to monitor effects of certain food or drink, then adjust your diet accordingly.
• Keep snack foods close by if you aren’t feeling well enough to cook or you don’t have any help following surgery.
• Log your food intake so you can track calories and nutrients. I’ve used and still recommend CRON-o-meter.
• If pouch odor is a concern for you, I’ve put together a handy guide on controlling it HERE.
• When you’ve received the OK to start a normal diet, try new foods slowly so you can test to make sure they are passing through your stoma without trouble. Most people will be able to continue eating healthfully with only a few (if any) limitations.
• The following foods and beverages can cause a dramatic change in your output’s consistency. You’ll likely be able to catch the culprit within hours of consuming them:
  • Coffee or tea
  • Sport drinks
  • Soda/Pop/Soft drinks (both diet and regular )
  • Fruit juices
  • Chocolate
  • Certain fruits (for me it’s cherries)
  • Artificial sweeteners
  • Alcoholic beverages (especially wine)
  • Fried foods
  • Hot/spicy foods
  • Non-vegan foods like dairy (or other lactose-containing food, if lactose intolerant)

Further Reading

• Done your recovery? See what’s on the menu past your initial six weeks HERE.
• To see what I was eating shortly after my surgery (along with nutritional profiles of those meals), please refer to THIS from approx. 2 weeks post-op, and THIS post from approx. 3.5 weeks post-op.
• For more ideas on what foods to eat when eating is difficult, check out THIS article.
• For ways to enhance nutrient absorption, consider reading THIS article.