An ileostomy is a surgically created opening in the abdomen for the passing of waste products out of the body. For certain diseases that involve the intestines such as bowel cancer, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis, the surgeon will re-route one end of either the small or large intestine to this opening; a pouch is typically attached to the opening to collect the waste. After an ileostomy procedure, the patient needs to adjust the diet to better control the frequency, consistency and amount of the stool, according to the Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology website.
Vegetables
A patient with an ileostomy can eat well-cooked vegetables that do not contain seeds notes the American Dietetic Association. Raw vegetables should be avoided because they may be difficult for the gastrointestinal tract to digest. Other vegetables like broccoli, cabbage and corn may cause odors or gas in patients with an ileostomy. Corn, dried fruits and celery may also cause obstruction of the opening in the abdominal wall. Examples of appropriate vegetables include green beans, spinach, cooked beets, carrots and pumpkin, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Ostomy Nutrition Guide.
Fruits
A person with an ileostomy can still eat fruit after the surgical procedure; however, avoiding fruits with high amounts of fiber is important to reduce irritation of the digestive tract. Eating prunes, apples and bananas may cause gas in these patients and these fruits should be eaten in moderation or avoided. The best types of fruits for these patients include avocado, soft melons, applesauce and pulp-free fruit juices.
Meats and Fish
Eating meats, fish and other high protein foods are a healthy option for these patients. People with ileostomies should avoid fatty meats or fish that is prepared with additional fat. Highly-seasoned meats, poultry, fish and cheeses can also cause irritation of the intestine as well. High-protein foods that cause less irritation include low-fat meats, eggs, fish, and smooth peanut butter. When introducing fish and eggs into the diet after the ileostomy surgery, the patient should go slowly as these foods can cause odors, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Ostomy Nutrition Guide.
Breads and Cereals
Whole grain breads and other products may contain too much fiber for these patients. Types of compatible breads and cereals for a post ileostomy diet include refined breads, cold cereals, bagels, pasta and white rice. Starchy foods like rice and pasta can also thicken the stool; the patient should monitor intake to see how the body reacts to these foods, according to MayoClinic.com. About six to eight weeks after the ileostomy procedure, the patient may be able to better tolerate some whole grain products and may be able to introduce more whole grain products into the diet.
Beverages
A patient with an ileostomy is at risk of developing dehydration with any occurrence of diarrhea. Significant amounts of fluids, minerals and vitamins can be lost though the ileostomy opening. These patients must be conscious of the amount of liquid that is consumed. Drinking too much milk may cause problems for lactose-intolerant people; those patients may want to try lactose-free milk products. However, drinking coffee, tea or carbonated beverages generally cause no problems for patients with ileostomies.
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