What will my diet be like after my colostomy surgery? That’s one of the most common questions people have before having a colectomy. After all, food is not just a necessity for life; it’s also a huge part of social life, like family gatherings, dates, and dinners out with friends.
If you have recently had a colostomy procedure, your main focus is probably healing from it. You will also want to learn basic ostomy care and application. However, knowing what you can and cannot eat will go a long way in helping you go back to your normal routine as you heal.
Let’s take a moment to go over some of the basics of eating after a colostomy.
What Can I Eat After Colostomy Surgery?
First, let’s clear up a common myth about living with an ostomy: having a colostomy does not mean you have to give up your favorite foods forever. Many people with an ostomy gradually return to a balanced diet, often within six weeks, with approval from their healthcare provider.
However, it’s important to remember that everyone’s body responds differently to certain foods. For example, while some may enjoy spicy food without issues, others may find these foods cause digestive discomfort, with or without a colostomy.
Your individual needs will guide your diet choices. If you have an underlying condition like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, it may be best to avoid foods that previously caused flare-ups. Speak with your doctor to tailor a diet that supports your unique health needs.
Diet After Colostomy: A Few Quick Nutrition Tips
After your surgery, your doctor will likely schedule a few follow-up appointments to see how your stoma is healing. During your appointments, ask your doctor what foods to avoid or include in your diet.
How quickly you can return to a normal diet will depend entirely on your situation, including your medical condition and any food allergies you may have. Your doctor will consider all this, including how well you are healing from your ostomy surgery.
Some people prefer to avoid foods that cause gas, odor, or other digestive problems. Some common culprits foods to avoid after a colostomy can include:
- High-fiber foods can be harder to digest or could increase gas. Examples include beans, cabbage, and broccoli.
- Gas-causing foods like onions, carbonated drinks, and certain dairy products can sometimes cause gas.
- Odor-causing foods, including garlic, onions, and certain types of fish, may contribute to stronger odors in stool.
Not sure what’s right for you? Discuss with your doctor.
Tips for How to Eat After Colostomy Surgery
Here are a few diet and eating tips you may want to follow after your colostomy surgery:
- Eat slowly to help your body digest food better
- Chew your food very well to prevent potential blockages and help with digestion
- Eat small, regular meals to reduce gassiness and ease digestion
- Reintroduce certain foods gradually to see how your body responds
- Drink enough fluids to stay hydrated, especially if your output is more liquid
Get Support on Your Ostomy Journey from 180 Medical
Every person’s journey with a colostomy is unique. Avoid comparing your recovery time to others as you adjust to living with your new ostomy. The most important thing to remember about your new colostomy is not to worry too much. Simply focus on healing.
If you need reliable colostomy supplies to support your journey, 180 Medical provides high-quality ostomy products with top-rated customer service. We’re here to make finding the right products as easy as possible with convenient, efficient delivery and support every step of the way. Plus, we can connect you with a certified ostomy nurse if you’re experiencing issues.
Contact 180 Medical today to learn more about how we can support your ostomy needs.
