Brenda Khan
A colostomy is a major surgery, and it is important to follow a recommended diet during the recovery period. Doctors recommend a colostomy diet to help prevent negative digestive issues and support wound healing. The diet usually consists of bland, low-fibre foods that are easy to digest and rich in protein. It is also important to drink plenty of water and eat slowly, having several small meals a day.
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What You'll Learn
Eat small meals often
Eating small meals often is a crucial part of a colostomy diet, which is a short-term eating plan for people recovering from colostomy surgery. Eating several small meals throughout the day instead of a few large ones can help prevent colon discomfort or irritation as the colon heals.
For the first few weeks after surgery, it is important to eat mostly bland, low-fiber foods that are easy to digest. This helps to prevent uncomfortable symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, and gas. Bland foods are cooked, easy-to-digest foods that are not spicy, heavy, or fried. Examples of bland, low-fiber foods include refined grains like white bread or white rice, and low-fiber fruits and vegetables such as cooked, peeled, and seedless potatoes, zucchini, tomatoes, and lettuce.
In addition to eating small meals often, there are other guidelines to follow as part of a colostomy diet. It is recommended to drink plenty of liquids, aiming for about 2 litres per day. When adding foods back into the diet, it is important to introduce them one at a time to identify any new food intolerances that may have developed after surgery. It is also important to eat slowly and chew food well.
As the colon continues to heal, a doctor will advise on when to start adding high-fiber foods back into the diet. This will help to increase the bulk of bowel movements. While following a colostomy diet, it is important to primarily refer to the diet given by a doctor or nutritionist, as individual needs may vary.
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Bland, low-fibre foods
A colostomy diet is a short-term diet that people follow during the days and weeks after their surgery. It is recommended to prevent digestive issues and support the healing of wounds. For the first few weeks after the surgery, it is best to eat mostly bland, low-fibre foods.
Bland foods are cooked, easy-to-digest foods that are not spicy, heavy, or fried. They are also low in fiber and easy on the digestive system. This includes refined grains, like white bread or white rice, and low-fibre fruits and vegetables. For example, cooked, peeled, and seedless vegetables such as potatoes, zucchini, tomatoes, and lettuce. Lean proteins, such as eggs, are also recommended. Eating bland foods will help you avoid uncomfortable symptoms such as diarrhoea, bloating, gas, or bad odour.
It is important to limit foods that are difficult to digest as they can cause digestive issues. This includes raw fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, carbonated beverages, and spicy or high-fat foods. It is also advised to avoid foods that exacerbate or inflame the colon.
After a few days on a liquid diet, people can start adding mild, easily digestible foods to their diet. It is important to eat slowly and thoroughly chew food to prevent colon discomfort or irritation. It is also recommended to drink liquids at room temperature and to avoid carbonated or caffeinated beverages.
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High-protein foods
A colostomy diet is a short-term diet followed during the days and weeks after colostomy surgery. It is recommended to prevent digestive issues and support wound healing.
For the first few weeks after a colostomy, it is important to eat mostly bland, low-fibre foods that are easy to digest. This includes lean proteins, such as:
- Lean meats
- Eggs
- Low-fat dairy
- Nut butters
These foods can help support wound healing. It is also important to eat enough protein to support wound healing. However, it is best to avoid high-fat and fried protein sources, such as full-fat milk and dairy products, as well as plant-based proteins like beans, peas, lentils, nuts, and seeds, as these can be difficult to digest right after surgery.
It is also recommended to eat small meals frequently, chewing food well, and drinking plenty of liquids to prevent dehydration.
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Food intolerances
A colostomy is a surgical procedure that can significantly impact dietary habits. It is normal to experience some food intolerances after the surgery that you didn't have before. Food intolerances can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as diarrhoea, bloating, gas, or bad odour. These intolerances may disappear as your colon heals, but you may have to avoid certain foods long-term.
It is important to adopt a thoughtful and gradual approach when reintroducing foods into your diet. This is essential for ensuring proper nutrition, minimising discomfort, and adapting to changes in digestive function. It may take several weeks or even months to get back to your normal diet. Start by introducing small amounts of soluble fibre, which is easier to digest. Foods such as oats, bananas, peeled soft fruits, and cooked vegetables are good choices. Gradually increase the fibre content as your body adapts.
It is recommended to eat small meals frequently throughout the day—about six small meals instead of three large ones. Eat slowly and chew your food well. Drink plenty of liquids every day, at least 2 litres, to prevent dehydration. 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.
Some foods to avoid are those that cause flatulence, as they can make it harder to handle a colostomy bag. These include cruciferous vegetables and beans. High-fat and fried protein sources should also be avoided, including full-fat milk, ice cream, sherbet, cheese, and cream cheese. Dairy products containing lactose should be avoided if they cause diarrhoea.
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Weight loss
Weight gain is common after colostomy surgery, and standard weight loss methods may be challenging due to changes in food tolerance. However, if you are looking to lose weight after colostomy surgery, there are some general guidelines to follow, which are similar to the post-surgery diet.
Firstly, it is important to eat foods that are easy to digest and will not irritate the colon. This includes bland, low-fibre foods such as refined grains like white bread or white rice, and well-cooked, peeled, and seedless vegetables. Lean proteins are also recommended, such as eggs, low-fat dairy, and nut butters. It is best to limit or avoid high-fat, spicy, and carbonated foods and beverages, as well as raw fruits and vegetables, as these can be difficult to digest and may cause discomfort.
Secondly, it is suggested to eat small meals frequently throughout the day, rather than a few large meals. Eating slowly and chewing food well is also recommended. Drinking enough liquids is crucial, with water being the best option to avoid putting unnecessary strain on the digestive system.
Additionally, as you progress in your recovery, you can start introducing different foods back into your diet one at a time. This will help you identify any new food intolerances that may have developed after the surgery, and you can then adjust your diet accordingly.
Finally, while not directly related to weight loss, it is important to manage any digestive issues that may arise. Constipation is a common issue, and drinking plenty of water and using stool softeners can help. Probiotics may also be beneficial, but be sure to consult your doctor before taking any supplements or medications.
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Frequently asked questions
A colostomy diet usually consists of bland, low-fibre foods that are easy to digest. It is recommended to eat small meals frequently throughout the day and to eat slowly, chewing food thoroughly.
Foods that are typically recommended on a colostomy diet include refined grains, like 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 these can help support wound healing.
It is important to limit foods that are difficult to digest, such as raw fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, carbonated beverages, and spicy or high-fat foods.
