Having a stoma requires some adjustments especially in those first crucial 6-12 weeks after surgery. Your bowel needs time to settle into its new rhythm—sometimes moving too slowly, other times too quickly. Let's explore some common mistakes and practical solutions to help you manage your stoma with confidence.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

When Your Bag Fills Too Quickly

If your stoma bag fills rapidly and risks overflowing, your diet may be the culprit. High-fibre foods or large meals can speed up output.

Solution: Incorporate foods that naturally slow digestion like mashed potatoes, white rice, or low-fibre white sourdough bread (under 3 grams of fibre per serve). These gentler options help your digestive system adjust.

When Output Is Too Slow

After surgery, your bowel might move sluggishly, leading to constipation or minimal bag filling.

Solution: Initially, stick to a low-fibre diet of soft, easily digestible foods. This gives your system time to heal while avoiding potential blockages.

Preventing Blockages

Blockages can occur when constipation persists for 3-5 days, causing significant discomfort. Foods commonly associated with blockages include:

• Nuts and seeds
• Raw fruit skins
• Fibrous fruits like mango and pineapple
• Certain vegetables (mushrooms, celery, corn, broccoli stems, sprouts)
• Popcorn
• Wholegrain cereals and breads

Solution: Chew thoroughly, take smaller bites, and initially avoid these high-risk foods.

Staying Hydrated

Proper hydration remains essential, even when dealing with liquid output.

Solution: Drink plenty of water and include hydrating foods like watermelon, cucumber, and broth-based soups. Adding a small pinch of salt to water can enhance hydration.

Managing Gas and Bloating

Certain foods—beans, cabbage, broccoli, onions, and fizzy drinks—can increase gas production and bloating.

Solution: Opt for smaller, more frequent meals, chew food thoroughly, and limit gas-producing foods to keep your stoma functioning smoothly.

Supporting Digestion

Gut health plays a crucial role in stoma management.

Solution: Consider lactose-free yoghurt or kefir to introduce beneficial probiotics. Herbal teas like peppermint, fennel, or chamomile can ease digestive discomfort. Limit coffee consumption, as it may disrupt digestion.

Want More Specialised Guidance?

🎆Introducing: Stoma Nutrition 101 Webinar

Living with a stoma doesn't mean giving up foods you love. Our comprehensive webinar provides the knowledge and confidence to eat well while preventing complications.

Finally, Clear Answers to Your Most Pressing Questions:

• "Which foods can I safely eat?"
• "How can I prevent embarrassing accidents and blockages?"
• "What should I eat when dining out or travelling?"
• "How do I manage my output and stay properly hydrated?"

What Makes This Webinar Different

We don't just offer generic advice—we provide practical, proven strategies that work in real life. In just 30 minutes, you'll learn:

• Simple information to identify foods that work best with your stoma type (colostomy or ileostomy)
• Strategies to manage high or slow output without giving up favourite meals
• Confidence-building techniques for dining out, travelling, and social situations
• Science-backed approaches to preventing dehydration and maintaining proper nutrition

Perfect For:

• Recent stoma surgery patients seeking clarity and confidence
• Long-term ostomates looking to optimise their nutrition
• Family members and carers wanting to provide better support
• Healthcare professionals expanding their patient care knowledge

Investment: $89

Sign up today and receive our Recommended Resources Guide—a curated collection designed to help you thrive after cancer. This comprehensive guide includes commonly recommended resources covering:

• Nutrition: Practical tips for eating well and supporting your recovery
• Mindset: Strategies to cultivate resilience and positivity
• Exercise: Guidance for staying active at every stage of your journey
• Integrated Oncology: Insights on complementary therapies to enhance your wellbeing
• Living Well After Cancer: Tools and tips to navigate life after treatment
• Books: A selection of inspiring and informative reads

Sign up Now Stoma Nutrition 101 Webinar

Remember, proper nutrition plays a vital role in your recovery and ongoing health with a stoma. Join us to gain the knowledge you need to eat with confidence again.

See you inside The NutraThrive Collective!

A/Professor Teresa Mitchell-Paterson