Weight Loss Tips for Colostomy Patients

Replies
6
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2201
Collieflower
Oct 29, 2020 9:54 pm

Hi folks.

I'm sure this topic has been discussed before, so bear with me. I got my colostomy on 07/30/20 (rectal cancer). I'm slowly gaining weight and want to nip it before it gets out of control. I'm struggling to find a new way of eating (all my old go-to foods are off limits now) and finding the right food for weight loss. Should I just stick with proteins primarily? Carbs are not my friend. I'm working on gaining back the muscle tone I lost and just bouncing back in general. Any tips/feedback are appreciated!

TerryLT
Oct 29, 2020 10:37 pm
Very helpful

Hi Collieflower, I'm not sure why your old go-to foods would be off limits. You have a colostomy, not an ileostomy, right? Why wouldn't you be able to eat a normal diet? I have a colostomy and can eat anything. I would just recommend the same things anyone would do for weight loss or weight control. Lots of fruits and vegetables and whole grains that are high in fiber and therefore filling. Lean proteins, good fats. Unless there is some reason you can't eat those foods?

Terry

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Justbreathe

MeetAnOstoMate website turned out to be a lifesaver for me. I say this because, for me, this ostomy journey was a devastating event both physically and mentally.
Here, I found folks who understood my feelings even better than my family or friends could. Only a fellow ostomate can understand how you really feel.

Information sharing is key, as well as support and understanding, to ultimately bring more harmony into our ostomy life journey. I found here, virtually no ostomy questions that are not touched upon. Questions which some might feel, may be too trivial to contact a doctor about or even too shy or embarrassed to ask their own doctor about. They are all addressed here.

For me, anonymity was very helpful in seeking answers to each phase of this life changing medical and mental event. Sharing initial trauma feelings, ongoing support and finally acceptance was what I found with my membership here. I am not sure what my mental and physical attitude would be today without having found this site.

Additional benefits included: finding products and ideas to help with daily maintenance, innovative ideas and as a bonus - some great humor.
After all “laughter IS the best medicine”.

I have been a member for 3 years, an ostomate for 4 years - yes, I certainly wish I would have found it immediately after surgery but so very thankful I finally found it when I did as I truly believe it turned my troubled depression and situation into a more positive attitude and acceptance.

Sincerely,
An Ileostomate nicknamed Justbreathe 🫶🏼

Collieflower
Oct 29, 2020 10:47 pm

Pre-cancer and colostomy, my diet was very high in fiber - lots of beans, greens, raw veggies with skins, maybe some chicken breast. Despite it being a colostomy, I don't seem to tolerate those things (aside from the chicken) as well as I'd like. I tend to experience an unusually high output when I eat these, which results in a sore stoma. I'm going to try to focus on my protein intake to see how that might change things. Thanks, Terry!

Collieflower
Oct 29, 2020 10:47 pm

Pre-cancer and colostomy, my diet was very high in fiber - lots of beans, greens, raw veggies with skins, maybe some chicken breast. Despite it being a colostomy, I don't seem to tolerate those things (aside from the chicken) as well as I'd like. I tend to experience an unusually high output when I eat these, which results in a sore stoma. I'm going to try to focus on my protein intake to see how that might change things. Thanks, Terry!

Puppyluv56
Oct 30, 2020 12:55 am
Very helpful

Hey Collie,

I cannot tolerate large quantities of those fruits and veggies but give yourself some time. Your colon will adjust and you may be able to start eating some of those things you love to lose weight. Introduce them slowly to see how they do. In the meantime, high protein is a great option!
I know you are fairly new to the Ostomy world but you may be a candidate for irrigation. It can change your life. You do need to check with your doctor or Ostomy nurse. They usually want you to give your ostomy plenty of time to heal after your surgery. 4-6 months. Watch the YouTube videos. Just type in ostomy irrigation.
Take care,

Puppyluv

 

How to Get Back to Fitness After Ostomy Surgery with Ryan | Hollister

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Past Member
Oct 30, 2020 2:02 am
Very helpful

Hi Collieflower,

I think you're on the right track, just listen to your body and see what works. I think as Puppy said, down the road you might tolerate some other things. I have an ostomy too. I don't eat many beans or corn because of gas and digestion speeds. I do fine with most anything, but we're all different. If chicken gets boring, would fish work for you too? Let us know how things work out for you.

Take care...mtnman.

Past Member
Oct 30, 2020 5:49 pm

Hi Collieflower,

One more thought: ground turkey can be used as a substitute for almost any ground beef dish.

I forgot nuts. I have to chew them up well because they exit the same as corn, etc.

Take care... mtnman.