1.       Eat what you can the day after your surgery

After the surgery, your bowel will be swollen and it greatly reduces the intestinal lumen, which is the bowel’s diameter through which the stools can pass. Don’t worry though, this is temporary.

2.       In the week following surgery, gradually reintroduce different types of food in your diet

Generally, you want to focus on starch-based food first, like rice, pasta, bread, potatoes, etc. Then, you can slowly add meat, eggs, and cheese to your diet. Finally, add high fibre food, like fruits, vegetables and whole grains, back to your diet.

It’s really useful to start eating foods again one by one, because you can quickly identify what makes the frequency and consistency or your stools, unpleasant smells and gas. Keep a diary, and write what and when you eat, and the consistency of your stools. It’s a valuable tool that can help you prevent unnecessary restrictions.

3.       Routinely Eat Small Amounts of Food Multiple Times a Day

The stoma opening in the ileum is smaller than if it was made in the large intestine. This increases the risk of bowel obstruction caused by food. Eating smaller portions five to six times a day helps prevent them. Plus, you will benefit from not skipping a meal, as it usually results in a lot of gas.

4.       Drink 6 to 8 Glasses of Water Each Day

When a stoma opening is in the ileum, the large intestine can’t absorb liquids and electrolytes. Because of this, you will lose a lot of liquid and electrolytes, especially during the first few months following your surgery. Drinking six to eight glasses of water each day (which is roughly 1.5 to 2 litres of water) is essential if you want to prevent dehydration. Make sure your urine is clear, as it is the best way of making sure you’re well hydrated.

5.       Prevent Malnutrition

As soon as your digestive environment is normalized, try to eat varied, versatile and nutritious foods. Keep in mind that certain types of food will be harder to absorb, as they won’t pass through your large intestine. Your doctor may recommend taking vitamin and mineral supplements, like vitamin B12 supplements. Don’t hesitate to ask your dietician or nutritionist questions to learn how to make meals that work best for you.

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Nadine Bonneville
R.D. nutritionist, M.Sc, B.A (Psy)