Diseases that involve the small intestine, colon or rectum may require surgery to remove certain sections of your bowel. Since waste still needs a way to exit your body, ostomy surgery is performed to create an artificial opening in your abdomen. Wastes exit through the ostomy into an ostomy pouch attached to the opening. Common ostomy procedures include the colostomy and ileostomy. Ostomy patients should be aware of several dietary considerations.
After Surgery
Right after surgery, you will only be able to have clear liquids like juices, gelatin and broth. Once you are tolerating clear liquids, you will progress to a full liquid diet, which includes yogurt, ice cream, milk and soups. Once you progress to eating solid foods, make sure they are low in fiber. Try each food one at a time. If you are unable to tolerate a food, stop eating it and try it again in a few weeks. You will be able to eat normally within six weeks of surgery.
Odor and Gas
Once you are eating solid foods, avoid foods that can cause excessive gas or odors, such as fish and eggs. Vegetables you should avoid include asparagus, cabbage, carrots, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, corn, garlic and onions. Black-eyed peas, chickpeas, lentils, lima beans, peanuts, pinto beans, soybeans and white beans should also be avoided. Grains that may cause gas and odor include barley, breakfast cereal, granola, oat bran, rice bran, wheat bran and whole wheat flour. Alcohol is not recommended after an ostomy. Foods that decrease odor include buttermilk, kefir and cranberry juice.
Stool Consistency
If you are experiencing diarrhea, then adding foods that will thicken your stool is recommended. Those foods include banana flakes, applesauce, pasta, potatoes, smooth peanut butter, rice and cheese. Foods that can cause an obstruction include corn, cabbage, celery, coconut, dried fruits, nuts, peas, pineapple, corn, popcorn, spinach and turnip greens and should be avoided. Foods that can cause diarrhea should be avoided and include grape juice, high-sugar foods, prune juice, spicy foods and high-fat foods.
General Tips
When eating solid foods, take small bites and chew thoroughly. The American Dietetic Association recommends eating smaller meals throughout the day, and eating your largest meal in the middle of the day. Smoking, using straws and chewing gum or tobacco are not recommended because they may result in swallowing air and lead to gas. Drink 8-10 cups of liquid every day. You may need to drink more liquids if you are exercising.
References
- "Nutrition Therapy and Pathophysiology" Marcia Nelms, Kathryn Sucher, Sara Long; 2007.
- Medline Plus: Ostomy
- "The Nutrition Care Manual by the American Dietetic Assocation;" Colostomy Nutrition Therapy; 2009.
