Eating well is a big part of living life on your own terms. The good news: having a stoma should not stand in the way of enjoying good food.
There are no set dietary rules for people living with a stoma. It may just take a bit of time to find out what works for you.
With the “OK” from your healthcare team, you can eat what you like, when you like. Here are some general guidelines:*
- Eat regularly
- Drink plenty of fluids
- To avoid blockages 1,chew your food well
- Ask your stoma care nurse or a dietician if you need to take vitamins
- After surgery, try new foods one at a time, in small quantities. If there is a problem (such as gas), you can make simple adjustments that work for you.
- Most importantly, enjoy your food!
For more specific guidelines based on your stoma type, refer to below:†
1 Diet Reference: Ostomy Nutrition Guide. University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Web site.http://www.upmc.com/patients-visitors/education/nutrition/Pages/ostomy-nutrition-guide.aspx Accessed May 23, 2016.
* You should always ask your healthcare professional about any dietary restrictions you may have or need to follow.
† Check with your healthcare professional to find out if you have dietary restrictions. If you experience cramping, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting, call your healthcare professional immediately.