Watch Laura Cox’s video about how to eat with an ostomy (either a ileostomy or colostomy). In it, she discusses:
-Trying New Foods
-Multivitamins and Suppliments
-Blended Meals: Smoothies and Juices
-Laura’s Smoothie Recipe
-Gas and Gas Buildup
Tips and Tricks:
Only add one new food type per day. Take a couple bites, chew very well, and then follow it up with a glass of water. After a couple hours, if you feel like the food has passed, then take a couple more bites, chew well and follow that with another glass of water. This may sound tedious, but it helps make the process of reintroducing new foods safer.
Multivitamins and Supplements:
Speak with your doctor about taking a daily multivitamin. You should also discuss any supplements you are considering adding to your diet.
Smoothie Recipe:
1 whole banana (put into the freezer an hour beforehand, so that ice is not needed)
3-4 strawberries (or as many as you’d like)
1-2 handfuls of spinach (or other greens like kale)
Blueberry or strawberry kefir
Blend until smooth.
For more information, see related ostomy articles and resources here:
- Nutrition and Your Ostomy Video
- Nutrition and Your Ostomy Article
- OstomyLife Newsletter with Diet and Nutrition Tips
Shield HealthCare | Medical Supplies For Care At Home Since 1957
Can you tell me of any medication or pills I can take that eliminate or lessen odor? It seems to be worse in the mornings. I am going on vacation with friends and it can be very embarrassing.
i had a colostomy 2 months ago. i am still struggling with a lousy appetite. today i barely ate anything. i just dont want food. but then i realize i must eat if i ever want to anything to come out in my bag. i make myself eat oatmeal. lunch is the hardest. i do love salads. so i try to eat them several times a week. im trying so hard to make myelf eat but when there is no urge for food it makes this a huge struggle. i hate the protein drinks like ensure. they taste terrible to me. what should i do. when i do get hungry i am full with half of what i used to eat. will this ever get better?
Hi Marlene. Thanks for commenting! To answer your last question, yes, it should get better! No guarantee, of course, but your body is still adjusting after two months. If you hate the protein shakes, don’t make yourself drink them, that will only make you more adverse to food. It’s very normal to feel full even if you’ve eaten what looks like a half a meal to you, at this point in your recovery. You may still have lots of gas in your system that is trying to work its way out, and in the meantime, taking up food space. Be kind with yourself and find what works for you. Try drinking a glass of water before you eat – that can help make eating easier. Additionally, if you’re at home and your system is okay with it, alcohol is an appetite stimulant, so a glass of wine may help you finish your meal. Focus on eating nutrient-dense foods rather than focusing on volume. Try eating with friends more often so it will take your mind off what you’re eating. Keep in mind that experiencing new foods can help in stimulating appetite. Eat smaller amounts throughout the day, especially if you’re distracted by work or friends and can take down some fruit without noticing. If all else fails, and you’re getting worried about not getting enough calories, talk with your doctor. They may be able prescribe an appetite stimulant. Best of luck! -Aimee, Shield HealthCare
Would you please clarify in your articles that this is for colostomy and ileostomy. Those of us with a urostomy can get very confused by these articles. I’m constantly having to tell people with a urostomy that these types of things don’t apply to us. People seem to forget that we exist or we just don’t matter.
Hi Marty. Thank you for your comment. We have amended this article to note that it is for people with ileostomies or colostomies, and will continue to do the same for our other articles that pertain to people with one of those two types of articles. Thanks for the reminder – we do know you exist and you do matter! 🙂 -Aimee, Shield HealthCare