Madeleine Hull
Following a colostomy, it is important to follow a specific diet to aid your body's healing process. This diet will vary depending on your condition and type of surgery, but it is usually a short-term diet that you must follow for several days and weeks after your colostomy. During the initial recovery stage, it is common to start with a clear liquid diet, such as broth, water, and juice, before gradually transitioning to mild, easily digestible foods. It is important to eat slowly, chew your food thoroughly, and consume small meals frequently to prevent colon discomfort. In terms of what to eat and what to avoid, it is generally recommended to limit raw fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, carbonated beverages, spicy or fatty foods, and high-fat dairy products. Instead, opt for bland, low-fiber foods that are cooked, easy to digest, and not spicy, heavy, or fried. As you continue to heal, you can slowly reintroduce other foods under the guidance of your doctor or dietitian.
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What You'll Learn
Start with a clear liquid diet
A colostomy is a surgical procedure that involves bringing one end of the large intestine out through a stoma, an opening in the abdominal wall. A colostomy bag is attached to the side of the body to collect and dispose of faecal matter from the digestive tract. Following this procedure, it is imperative to follow a colostomy diet to ensure a quick recovery. This diet typically involves several stages, with the first being a clear liquid diet.
Immediately after colostomy surgery, it is common to have a reduced appetite, as the bowel has undergone significant trauma and requires time to heal. A clear liquid diet is usually recommended for the initial days following the procedure. This diet consists of clear liquids such as broth, water, and plain gelatin. It is important to stay hydrated during this time, aiming for at least 6 to 10 cups of liquids per day.
During the clear liquid diet phase, it is crucial to introduce foods back into your diet gradually. Start with mild, easily digestible foods and consume small amounts to evaluate your digestion. Eating slowly and chewing your food thoroughly are important habits to adopt. It is also recommended to drink liquids at room temperature and avoid carbonated or caffeinated beverages, as they can strain the digestive system.
As you progress in your recovery, you can start adding more solid foods to your diet. However, it is important to introduce new foods one at a time, allowing your body to adjust. Bland, low-fiber foods are recommended during this stage, including refined grains such as white rice and bread, as well as cooked, peeled, and seedless fruits and vegetables like zucchini, tomatoes, and lettuce. It is also beneficial to increase your protein intake with foods like lean meat, eggs, low-fat dairy, and nut butter to support healing.
Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all diet after a colostomy, and individual tolerances may vary. Always consult with your doctor or dietitian to determine the best diet plan for your specific needs and condition. They will guide you through the stages of dietary changes to ensure a healthy recovery.
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Eat small meals often
Eating small meals often is an important part of a healthy diet following colostomy surgery. This is because it can take a while for your appetite to return, and your digestive system will need time to recover. Eating little and often will aid your recovery and help with wound healing.
You should aim to eat three small meals a day, with snacks in between four to six times per day. Eating several small meals throughout the day instead of three large ones will help keep you comfortable while your colon heals.
It is also important to eat slowly and chew your food well. This will help prevent colon discomfort or irritation. It is also beneficial to drink plenty of liquids throughout the day to stay hydrated. Aim for at least six to eight 8-ounce (237-mL) glasses of water per day.
In the first few weeks after surgery, you should eat mostly bland, low-fiber foods. Bland foods are cooked, easy-to-digest foods that aren't spicy, heavy, or fried. Examples of bland, low-fiber foods include white toast, white rice, applesauce, and chicken breast.
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Drink plenty of liquids
Drinking plenty of liquids is an important part of a colostomy diet. Immediately after surgery, you will be advised to follow a clear liquid diet for several days. This means consuming broth, water, and plain gelatin. You may also receive intravenous (IV) fluids for two to three days to give your colon time to heal.
Once you have managed well on a liquid diet, you can start adding mild, easily-digested foods back into your diet. It is important to drink plenty of liquids at this stage, too—at least 6 to 8 cups per day, or 8-10 8-ounce glasses (about 2 liters) to prevent dehydration. You can include liquids such as soup broth and juice (like apple, grape, and cranberry).
As you continue to heal, you can slowly reintroduce other foods, but it is still important to drink plenty of liquids. This is because diet and fluids have a significant impact on your output and stool consistency. Staying hydrated will also help your body heal.
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Eat mostly bland, low-fibre foods
Following colostomy surgery, it is recommended to eat mostly bland, low-fibre foods for the first few weeks. This is because the colon needs time to heal, and a bland diet will help to keep you comfortable during this period.
Bland foods are cooked, easy-to-digest foods that are not spicy, heavy, or fried. They include refined grains such as white rice, white toast, and low-fibre fruits. Lean meats, eggs, low-fat dairy, and nut butter are also recommended, as they are protein-rich and support healing.
It is important to eat slowly and chew your food well, as well as drinking plenty of liquids. Aim for 8 to 10 cups of liquids per day, including water and other clear liquids such as broth and juice.
After tolerating easy-to-digest foods, you can slowly start to introduce other foods back into your diet, one at a time. This will help you identify any foods that cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as gas, bloating, or diarrhoea.
It is important to note that everyone's experience with a colostomy is different, and you should always follow the advice of your healthcare provider when it comes to your diet.
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Reintroduce foods slowly
Reintroducing foods slowly is a crucial aspect of recovering from colostomy surgery. The following paragraphs outline a step-by-step guide to safely reintroducing foods, with a focus on listening to your body and making gradual changes.
Start with Liquids and Bland Foods:
After colostomy surgery, it is recommended to begin with a clear liquid diet for several days. This includes liquids such as broth, water, juice, and plain gelatin. Once your body tolerates liquids well, you can start introducing mild, easily digestible, and bland foods. These include refined grains like white rice and white toast, applesauce, chicken breast, and cooked, peeled, and seedless fruits and vegetables.
Increase Calories, Protein, and Fluids:
During the recovery process, it is important to increase your calorie and protein intake to support your body's healing process. Lean protein sources such as skinless poultry, eggs, tofu, and low-fat dairy are recommended. Additionally, drinking plenty of fluids (at least 6-10 cups daily) is crucial to prevent dehydration and ensure proper digestion.
Slowly Introduce New Foods:
When you start adding new foods back into your diet, do it slowly and gradually. Introduce one new food at a time and monitor your body's reaction. This allows you to identify any foods that may cause discomfort or adverse symptoms. Remember that everyone's tolerance is different, so listen to your body and progress at your own pace.
Avoid Problematic Foods:
During the initial recovery phase, it is best to limit or avoid certain foods that may be difficult to digest or cause issues. These include raw vegetables (especially broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and artichokes), raw fruits with skin (such as apples, grapes, and strawberries), high-fiber foods, whole grains, legumes, carbonated beverages, spicy foods, and high-fat foods. Additionally, if you experience diarrhea, it is advisable to avoid full-fat dairy products and opt for lactose-free alternatives.
Monitor Progress and Seek Professional Guidance:
Keep track of your progress by maintaining a food diary. Note how different foods affect your digestion, energy levels, and overall well-being. This information can be valuable in tailoring your diet and making informed decisions about reintroducing specific foods. Throughout this process, it is essential to follow the advice of your healthcare provider, surgeon, stoma care nurse, and clinical dietitian nutritionist. They will guide you in safely resuming your typical diet and making any necessary adjustments.
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Frequently asked questions
A colostomy diet is a short-term diet to be followed in the days and weeks after colostomy surgery. It involves eating foods that are easy to digest and may include a clear liquid diet for several days.
It is recommended to eat bland, low-fibre foods that are easy to digest. This includes refined grains such as white rice and bread, lean meats, eggs, low-fat dairy, and nut butter. You should also drink plenty of liquids to stay hydrated.
It is best to limit or avoid high-fibre foods, raw fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, carbonated beverages, spicy or fatty foods, and high-fat protein sources such as full-fat dairy and fried foods. If you experience diarrhoea, you should avoid dairy products containing lactose.
It is important to reintroduce foods slowly and one at a time, under the supervision of your doctor or dietitian. Start with mild, easily digestible foods and pay attention to how your body reacts to different foods.
