When I left the hospital after my ostomy surgery, I was handed a pamphlet about what foods produce gas and what to avoid. It felt overwhelming at first, but I reminded myself that everyone's journey is different. That was empowering. I had no idea what would actually affect me, but I was determined to figure it out for myself.
Before surgery, I was so sick that I could mostly only eat white rice. When I was healthier, I never thought twice about what I put in my cart. If I had a flare up, I'd adjust my diet a bit, but that was it.
What I Had to Stop Buying
Right after surgery, I had to be really careful with fibrous foods, nuts, and seeds. That meant no popcorn, salads, raw vegetables, nuts, or seeds. It was a big adjustment, especially giving up things like popcorn and salads that I loved.
Around six months after surgery, I started trying small amounts of salad, popcorn, and nuts in moderation. It felt good to slowly add those foods back.
What I Can Eat Now
Almost five years later, I can eat almost everything. The best part? I can enjoy spicy food now, which was off limits during flare ups before my ostomy. I can handle any level of spice, and that felt like a real win.
I still stay away from too much cabbage, kimchi, dates, and raisins because they don't sit well with me. But otherwise, my diet is pretty normal now, and I don't feel limited anymore.
The Learning Curve
I had some rough trial and error moments, especially early on. The worst was when I ate this really fatty bolognese. My body couldn't break it down, and I got so sick I was throwing up. That taught me not to overload my system with heavy, carb loaded, or fatty foods.
I also got a blockage from a deep fried pickle because I didn't chew it enough. That lasted five days and was very painful. Another time, I ate too much saucisson, a French sausage, along with vegetables with skins. That blockage lasted three days. I've had partial blockages from fleshy tomatoes and other vegetables I wasn't careful enough with.
Since I have an ileostomy, my stool is naturally more loose. Soups make my output even more watery, so I have to plan around that to make sure my bag doesn't leak. It's one of those things you learn along the way.
How I Shop and Eat Now
I cook at home more now, and I genuinely love it. Creating meals for myself feels empowering, and I enjoy knowing exactly what's in my food. When I do go to restaurants, I make choices that support my health, and I don't feel like I'm missing out. I'm just making the best choices for me.
Buffets and all you can eat places are tough because I can only eat so much. My ostomy can only process so much at once, so I have to be mindful of portions.
My Advice for Your First Grocery Trip
Take your time and be thoughtful about what you're buying. Start slowly with fibrous foods, and give your body a gentle adjustment period. Avoid really fatty or heavy carb loaded meals at first, and remember that every small step is progress.
Everyone's different, so what works for me might not work for you. That's what makes your journey uniquely yours. Give yourself time to discover what sits well with your body. It's a process, but you're stronger than you think, and you'll get there.