Tomato Sandwich Concerns for Ileostomy Patients

Has anyone had problems with tomatoes? I have had an ileostomy for 8 months and would like a good old tomato sandwich.

No, never, but you will see some red in your output. Don't panic; it's just tomato residue.

It's a tomato, enjoy.

No problems for me. I can't say if it will be the same for you. Just eat one and see how it goes; it's the only way.

Hi all, I've had my ileo for 30 some years and I haven't had any issues with tomatoes right out of the garden or sliced on a burger or BLT, even before I had resection surgery and a better stoma.

My Ostomy Journey: LeeAnne | Hollister

I would die for a tomato sandwich right now! I was told not to eat them and had a lot of past blockage issues, so I'd be afraid. I think everyone is different, so you just have to try and see if they work out for you.

I eat a lot of tomatoes. They have never bothered me. Ileostomy.

There are some varieties of tomato with very tough skins. I would think that because you are slicing them to use them in a sandwich, the pieces of skin will be very small. As long as you are chewing really well, it shouldn't be a problem. I've never had any problems with tomatoes, and I also have an ileo.

Terry

G-Day R1Kirby, Tomatoes do have a tough skin, but if you chew and chew, it's no problem; try one and see. Regards, IGGIE

I was afraid to have tomatoes, or anything that had a seed in it. I was terrified that it would get stuck in my stoma and I would end up in the emergency ward! Oh yeah, and salad too. I guess I read too much on the internet, and it scared me half to death, thinking I wouldn't be able to eat all the foods I always enjoyed. My doctor did tell me that I could eat anything but to just chew, chew, chew! Here I am, eating all the things I love! The best advice is to just try different things, and if they are chewed into little pieces you probably will be fine. I still haven't attempted popcorn, because in my mind those kernels are going to do me in, but that is it! I eat everything I want, but I do it real slow… Enjoy your new normal!

My husband has no issues with tomatoes. And as Axl said, you may see some red and also lots of tiny seeds.

Hi, I was told to remove the skin because it can't be digested and could cause a blockage by a consultant.

Yes, I eat greens, but too much and the pouch inflates. It's not bursting yet, but it's certainly big. Broccoli especially.

My friend got a blockage from not chewing fully. A&E just in time. Whatever anyone says, be careful; we have a significant change: the exit for waste is much smaller.

I eat them more days than not, cooked or otherwise, skin and all.

Once again, I agree with Axl here. If you are in good health, then treat everything as before. Your body is still functioning normally.

My only personal concern is that I still like my coffee, and I will not sacrifice that, even though I was told to restrict it or preferably give it up altogether.

Perhaps someone (Axl?) can advise on this one.

Paul Riggans

I also would not give up coffee. I absolutely need it in the morning, at least 2 or 3 cups.

The only problem is that it goes straight through me.

Hah, I stopped drinking coffee many years ago, pre ileo. In the last twelve months, I have been tempted to have one now and then. I have determined it smells much better than it tastes... and surprise surprise, goes straight through me 🤣😂

I peel the skins off tomatoes and then I can eat them. It's the skins you have to be careful about on fruits and vegetables. At least that is what I have found. Everyone is different and I have an ileostomy. You might be able to tolerate skins on vegetables and fruits. They say try a small amount of something and see how it goes.

Thank you for this post. I've had an ileostomy for 5 months and I too have been freaked out about eating salads, and basically anything with seeds or skins. I don't really understand how risky any of that is, but I have decided to try some things in small quantities and see what happens! I had my first salad last week, with a few butter lettuce leaves, some peeled Persian cucumbers, and avocado - heaven! And no problems! So now I'm trying strawberries and blueberries. I haven't risked tomatoes yet, but I want to!