Food is a general topic that affects the entire population. The “eating well” and a balanced and varied diet are more relevant than ever.

For ostomate individuals, there is neither a strict diet nor any forbidden food. However, during the pre-surgery period, a low waste diet is recommended. You must then expand it by introducing diverse food items, step by step, in order to find out which ones agree with you better, and what will be their reaction to your transit. Therefore it will be necessary to keep a logbook. No one reacts the same way, and this is why this trial period is essential and will allow you to better manage your intestinal transit, thus your quality of life.

A few guidelines in order to assist you… more specifically:

• Food increasing bloating and gas production : dry vegetables, mushrooms, artichokes, cabbages and the “green family”, onions, salsify, carbonated drinks.

• Food increasing strong odours: fermented cheeses, garlic, wild game, eggs, asparagus. Food to favour in case of constipation: cooked vegetables, fruits, grape juice, prunes, (quit rice and pasta), drink lots of water (1 glass on an empty stomach in the morning).

• Food to favour in case of diarrhoea: rice, pasta, semolina, quince jelly, hard cheeses (quit milk products, fruits), drink lots of water.

• Food tainting stool: beetroot either raw or cooked will taint stool in red. Please be reassured. It is hard to detail everything. This is not an exhaustive list.

It is difficult to detail everything. This is not an exhaustive list.

Know that your stoma therapist or dietician will be able to assist you in re establishing a balanced and appropriate diet. In any case, it is essential, just like for anyone else, to take time to chew your food and to drink 1.5L of water per day.

Note: alcohol is authorised, with moderation obviously!!!

Note: fruits are not forbidden, but make sure you peel them. Be careful with grapes, plums, melons and cherries which have a laxative effect. To be consumed with moderation…

Why is the pouch filling up?

The pouch is filling up frequently because the part of the intestine that stores stool has been removed or by-passed.

Ileostomy is located on the ileum, the last portion of the small intestine that is very thin: stool is quite liquid and contains digestive enzymes that may irritate the skin. There will be not much gas.

To be correctly digested, food must be absorbed in small quantities and you must chew a lot. To make it up for loss of minerals, carbonated drinks are highly recommended, 1.5 to 2 litres per day (or more depending on the stool volume), and also certain types of food that contain potassium (bananas and chocolate for instance…).

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Just like with a colostomy, you will have to test which food is better for you, and monitor the impact on your intestinal transit for a better quality of life.

It is important to highlight that food containing fibres, such as corn, lentils and peas are not digested. The same applies to peanuts and cooked mushrooms.

There is nothing against swimming in the sea or in a pool. You may swim, however it is recommended to drain the pouch before and to test for leaks and change it if necessary (please know that it is possible to reinforce the pouch sealing with skin protective products). Remember to thoroughly dry the appliances after swimming.

Regarding swimming suits, trying them will help you gain confidence. Chose models with patterns rather than single-colour fabrics; pleated fabrics and Tankinis are good for concealing.

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SPA therapies are also possible. Like for any other bathing experience, you must change the pouch before, as the hot water could alter the sealing of the pouch should you stay too long in the water. Anticipate changing pouches and extra supply for your stay.

You must carry your equipment with you, in your carry-on bags since suitcases may go missing. Calculate the necessary amount of pouches for your trip, and it is always wise to carry a few extra ones (if you travel to a warm weather country, perspiration could accelerate the peel off of the appliances). Should you need scissors, you must put them in the checked-in suitcases and pre cut the pouches. Carry wipes rather than liquids which are forbidden or limited to 100 ml. Avoid carbonated drinks or any type of food that could create excess gas inside the pouch.

If you are under medical treatment, carry it with you but do not forget the prescription documents.

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In order to travel comfortably, change the pouch before departure.

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In order to avoid airport security searches, a specific certificate is available that explains what an ostomy is, discretely and in all languages.

The stay

With the heat, you may sweat and get dehydrated. You must drink mineral water from a sealed recipient, not tap water, and the same applies for other drinks and also to brushing your teeth. Plan to take some anti-diarrhoea medicine (diarrhoea and dehydration are usually coming together). Peal your fruits and eat cooked vegetables. Avoid ice-creams and sorbets.

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If possible, keep your equipment refrigerated. If you do not have access to air conditioning, keep the equipment inside an isotherm bag, stored in the vegetable drawer of the fridge.

Obviously, swimming is possible if you change the pouch before and dry it thoroughly after.

Hello Nicole,

You will certainly be able to take various routes with your grand-children. However there are two essential things to keep in mind:

1. Your equipment safety to guarantee sufficient storage during several hours. It would be difficult in the middle of a course 15 metres high and in plain nature to find some toilets.

2. When the person in charge of your safety will install the harness - CAUTION - guide his hand holding the harness in order to direct it yourself and avoid the stoma. Once in place, the harness can be tighten without any problem by this person.

Enjoy your stay !

Hello Monique,

There is nothing against skiing. Since you are mentioning “not being a good skier”, this is the opportunity to resume private lessons once or twice and make practice perfect in “falling” so that you’ll avoid finding yourself on your belly on the slopes – this is not good for the stoma. At the same time you learn to get up, acquire good reflexes and avoid unnecessary tension on the abdominals - which is most damaging for the stoma.

Go with peace of mind with comfortable equipment that provides you with sufficient storage for several downhill rides.

Enjoy the ride!