Fresh fruits and veggies are a regular part of my diet.
Through previous trial and error, I know there are some fruits and veggies I need to be careful of and some that I avoid. Salads and corn on the cob frequently appear on my plate. However, broccoli, kale and brussel sprouts, I eat sparingly.
As we all navigate life with a stoma, we learn and gain knowledge along the way. Stoma surgery allowed me to maintain my desired lifestyle. Food is such a central part of our society, with family gatherings and social outings often revolving around the table. Your stoma should not deny you your seat at the table.
Here are some general stoma diet guidelines:
- Eat regularly
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Chew your food well
- 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!
;
Sarah Biggart
After just having her son one year before, Sarah went in for surgery to have her colon and rectum removed. Her surgeon said they would try to perform a J-Pouch surgery, but that just was not possible which is why she ended up with an end ileostomy. After healing both physically and mentally from permanent stoma surgery, she became involved in her stoma community both locally and nationally.