Is Seafood Safe with an Ileostomy?

Is it safe to eat seafood, like shrimp, clams, calamari for example? Will I get a blockage? I am one month in now with an illeostomy. I haven’t tried shell fish seafood yet.

I had my ileostomy last May. They told me nothing like that for 3 months. I'm just now eating a little shrimp here and there, but the secret to it all is chew, chew, chew. 😉

Rubbery like seafood, unless creamed like in a bisque, is a potential clog hazard.

Most seafood is going to make your bag stink really bad. However, I've found plain cooked salmon (butter only) and raw tuna (like poke) doesn't. It seems to be whitefish primarily.

If you are only a month from surgery, you are still healing and may still have some swelling, so need to be cautious.  In a couple or so more weeks though, you should be fine.  I have an ileostomy, and eat mostly fish and seafood, as I don't eat red meat.  Just make sure to chew really well, and stay well hydrated.

Terry

I don't recommend eating stuff like that so soon. As Terry has said, you are still swollen, and your stoma is just now trying to get on a normal rhythm, and so is your output. You should take it slow, and with being swollen and your body not fully healed, it could cause a blockage.

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G-Day AJR, I have no problem with fish, but calamari depends on if it has been cooked right. A good cook will only cook it for a very short time and it's nice and tender, but some cooks do it for way too long and it's like rubber. All you have to remember as an ostomate is to chew, chew, chew, and after chewing it, chew it some more. Did I mention to chew it? Regards, IGGE

Chew as much as you like but mistakes happen.

Mistakes can turn into a careless habit.

A habit could cost you a painful trip to the hospital.

Hi, I've found mussels an issue but not causing a blockage with an ileostomy. Just increased output, so I avoid it, don't have many, and chew a lot! Calamari can also be similar, but prawns, lobster, etc., have all been fine.

Give yourself time, like others above have said. I've been able to eat any seafood I chose. After eating, then dumping the bag? Your bathroom will smell like a fish market! If at a friend's home and eating seafood, you might wait until you get home.

Best of health,

SharkFan (and shrimp too)

I am almost 4 years post ileostomy. I was very careful what I ate during the first year. I stayed away from shrimp but ate salmon and regular fish. Now I can not eat coconut, corn, and rare steak. Since I can’t eat rare steak, I just don’t eat steak. Can’t chew it fine enough. I have never had a blockage but I sure have had blowouts. No matter what happens with Bertie (my stoma), I’m glad I had it done. 

I love this site for the information I get! After almost 50 years post ileostomy, I am still learning through everyone here. I was never told not to exercise, lift weights, or to not even eat certain foods so I did everything. I was only 23 when I first had my ileostomy so maybe age was on my side. Since I never heard that shrimp, etc could block me, I eat them all the time and thank goodness, no blockage. What has given me blockage to my doctor's surprise is roughage like spinach, broccoli, greens (iceberg and romaine ok), raw carrots, and cauliflower rice (sent me to hospital). The main problem with fish is the odor although good salmon isn't a problem that way.

I agree with all who said wait until healed. My husband is 2 years out with ileostomy and enjoys shrimp without issue. 

I don't know about others, but I have been eating everything I want, including seafood. I have never had a blockage from eating food. The only time was when I had a hernia that my intestines went into, which caused a blockage. This happened a few times until I got my hernia fixed. I have been an ileostomy for about 7 years. I hope this helps you.

I have a colostomy, but shellfish is tough for me. The rubbery texture causes a good bit of stomach cramps, so I mostly stick to salmon, tuna, and sometimes flounder.

 I had an ileostomy in June.  I never changed my diet from day one.  I have never had a blockage or other issues.  I look forward to my reversal next month.  Good eating to you!!

Seafood why? I'm

just wondering. I eat it and I hope never again

have a blockage! It scared me now!
I hope everyone is okay.

I need to learn more and stress is a big problem!

It's been awhile; haven't been here.

Victoria

It is definitely not safe for the sea life that you needlessly kill. All those animals are real and want to live. You can definitely live and be healthier without needlessly killing them. <3