Dante Carrillo
A colostomy is a surgical procedure in which one end of the colon is moved through an opening in the abdomen, requiring the patient to use a colostomy bag to collect body waste. While a colostomy does not affect a person's ability to eat or digest food, certain dietary modifications can make the recovery period more manageable. In this paragraph, we will explore the recommended diet for individuals who have undergone colostomy surgery and how they can gradually transition back to their regular eating habits.
Diet Characteristics for People with a Colostomy
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meal size | Small and frequent meals |
| Eating speed | Eat slowly |
| Chewing | Chew food well |
| Food type | Bland, low-fibre, easy-to-digest foods |
| Food examples | White toast, white rice, applesauce, chicken breast, eggs, low-fat dairy, nut butters, lean meats, cooked vegetables |
| Fluids | 6-10 cups of water or liquids per day |
| High-fibre foods | Reintroduce slowly, one food at a time |
| High-fibre, plant-based protein | Avoid beans, peas, lentils, nuts, seeds |
| Dairy | Avoid full-fat milk and dairy products, especially with diarrhoea |
| High-fat protein | Avoid high-fat and fried protein sources |
| Carbonated drinks | Avoid carbonated and caffeinated beverages |
| Spicy food | Avoid |
| Raw fruits and vegetables | Avoid |
| Whole grains | Avoid |
| Legumes | Avoid |
| Probiotics | Consult a doctor |
| Deodorant | Add to colostomy bag if required |
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What You'll Learn
Eat small meals often
Eating small meals often is recommended for people who have had a colostomy. This is because eating smaller meals spread throughout the day can help to prevent digestive issues and support the healing process. It is also important to listen to your body and eat when you are hungry.
In the first few days after surgery, you may need to follow a clear liquid diet. This consists of broth, water, and plain gelatin. You should also drink plenty of fluids—at least 6 to 10 cups daily—to prevent dehydration.
After a few days, you can start to introduce mild, easily-digested foods. These include white toast, white rice, applesauce, chicken breast, eggs, and low-fat dairy. You should eat slowly, chew your food thoroughly, and continue to drink plenty of liquids.
Over time, you can slowly reintroduce other foods into your diet. However, it is important to do this gradually and to avoid foods that are high in fat or fibre, spicy, or carbonated, as these can cause digestive issues. Instead, opt for bland, low-fiber foods that are easy to digest and will help you avoid uncomfortable symptoms.
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Bland, low-fibre foods
A colostomy is a surgery where one end of the colon is moved through an opening in the abdomen. After the surgery, a colostomy bag is used to collect body waste, either temporarily or permanently. A colostomy diet is a short-term diet that is followed during the days and weeks after the surgery.
For the first few weeks after a colostomy, it is recommended to eat mostly bland, low-fibre foods to prevent digestive issues and support wound healing. This includes refined grains, such as white bread or white rice, and low-fibre fruits and vegetables. It is also important to eat foods high in protein, like lean meats, eggs, low-fat dairy, and nut butters, as they can help support wound healing.
- White toast with jam or jelly: Jelly or jam contains pectin, and white toast is low in fibre.
- White rice with canned or cooked vegetables: Canned or cooked vegetables are low in fibre but still provide nutrients. Vegetable options include carrots, asparagus tips, or skinned zucchini.
- Low-fat yogurt with banana: Yogurt is a good source of protein, and bananas boost potassium levels and help keep you full for longer.
- Applesauce
It is important to introduce new foods one at a time and to eat small meals frequently throughout the day. This will help you identify any foods that cause uncomfortable symptoms and keep you comfortable while your colon heals.
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Plenty of fluids
Staying hydrated is a crucial part of healing after a colostomy. People who have had colon surgery will have a weaker ability to absorb water, which can lead to constipation. Drinking plenty of fluids can help to ease constipation and promote regularity. It is recommended to drink 6 to 10 cups of fluid a day, or 2 litres. Liquids should be consumed at room temperature.
After surgery, people may receive intravenous fluids for two to three days to give the colon time to heal. After this, it is important to drink plenty of clear liquids, such as soup broth, juice, and water. Clear liquids also include ice lollies made from juice or sports drinks. It is important to note that carbonated and caffeinated drinks should be avoided, as they can put a strain on the digestive system.
After a colostomy, people may experience constipation due to cutting out fibre. In this case, it is recommended to increase fluid intake. If you are exercising, in a hot climate, or perspiring in hot weather, it is also important to increase fluid intake to avoid dehydration.
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High-protein foods
A colostomy diet is usually a short-term diet that is followed during the days and weeks after colostomy surgery. It is recommended to prevent digestive issues and support wound healing in the first few weeks after surgery.
For the first few weeks after a colostomy, it is important to eat mostly foods that are low in fiber and easy to digest. This includes lean proteins, such as:
- Eggs
- Fish
- Chicken breast
- Lean meats
- Low-fat dairy
It is important to note that high-fat and fried protein sources should be avoided, as well as high-fiber, plant-based proteins such as beans, peas, lentils, nuts, and seeds.
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Reintroduce foods slowly
After a colostomy, it is important to slowly reintroduce foods into your diet over time. This is because your body needs time to adjust after bowel surgery, and eating certain foods will make the recovery period more manageable.
Initially, you will need to follow a clear liquid diet for a few days. This includes liquids such as broth, water, juice, and gelatin. After this, you can start to add mild, easily-digestible foods, such as white toast, white rice, applesauce, and chicken breast. You should eat small amounts and evaluate your digestion, slowly increasing your portion size until you are eating normally. It is also important to eat foods high in protein, like lean meats, eggs, and low-fat dairy, as these can help support wound healing.
You should also be aware that some foods may cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as diarrhoea or constipation. These include foods high in fat or fibre, spicy foods, and carbonated beverages. If a certain food causes these symptoms, don't eat it for a few weeks, and then try again. You will learn through experience which foods, if any, you should avoid.
It is also important to stay hydrated, as your body's ability to absorb water is weaker after bowel surgery. Drink at least 8 cups of fluid a day, and more if you are exercising or in hot weather.
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Frequently asked questions
After getting a colostomy, it is recommended to eat mostly bland, low-fibre foods that are easy to digest. This includes refined grains like white bread or white rice, low-fibre fruits and vegetables, and lean proteins like chicken breast, eggs, and low-fat dairy. It is also important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
Yes, it is recommended to avoid foods that are high in fat or fibre, spicy foods, carbonated beverages, and raw fruits and vegetables as they can be difficult to digest. It is also suggested to limit foods that cause gas, as they can make it harder to manage a colostomy bag.
The colostomy diet is typically followed during the days and weeks after the surgery, while the colon is healing. After that, you can slowly reintroduce foods back into your diet under the supervision of your doctor or dietitian and eventually resume your typical diet.
