Ostomy surgery can affect the way your body digests and absorbs the food you eat. As you recover, you will need to advance your diet slowly. Most people can return to their normal eating pattern in a few weeks.
Ostomy Nutrition Tips:
• Eat slowly; take small bites and chew thoroughly
• Eat small frequent meals and snacks
• Schedule meals and snacks at the same time each day
• Introduce new foods one at a time
• Keep track of what you eat and your symptoms
Although people with an ostomy generally do not need to follow restrictive diets, certain foods may aggravate common symptoms.
|
Common Issues |
Recommended Foods | Foods to Limit |
Notes |
| Gas | Most cooked vegetables | Broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, beans, carbonation | Eat smaller amounts more frequently |
| Odor | Cranberry juice, buttermilk, yogurt, kefir, parsley | Asparagus, alcohol, fish, eggs | Try odor-eliminating drops or spray |
| Hard stools or constipation | Warm or hot beverages, fresh or cooked fruits, cooked vegetables | Nuts and seeds, corn, coconut, raw celery or cabbage, raw apple peel, dried fruits may cause obstruction | Increase fluid intake |
| Watery stools/diarrhea | Cheese, smooth nut butters, rice, pasta, potatoes, bananas, applesauce | Prune juice and grape juice | Choose lactose-free milk if you are lactose intolerant.
If you have persistent watery stools, ask your doctor if you should consume an electrolyte drink. |
Be sure to contact your doctor if you are experiencing unusual symptoms or discomfort.
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