Hello everyone,
3 months post colostomy op.
Will canned whole tomatoes be okay to digest, etc.? I am aware I shouldn't eat the skin and seeds.
Has anyone had any experiences?
Thanks.
pamela.hill
Mar 18, 2025 2:43 pm
SusanT
Mar 18, 2025 2:49 pm
With a colostomy, you should be fine. We don't have as many restrictions as people with ileostomies.
Ben38
Mar 18, 2025 3:03 pm
Try a small amount and see how it goes; then, if it were to cause a problem, it will be short-lived. I have an ileostomy and can eat any skin and pips without problems; it's just trial and error finding what's right for you.
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Posted by: Karen & Stella
Fay,
I am one of those few people who still have a lot of output at night. However, I suffer from short gut syndrome after seven bowel surgeries that led to the loss of much of my small intestine as well as my large intestine from the initial bowel cancer surgery. It does get better over time as your system adjusts, but an ileostomy can be a challenging adjustment. It's important to connect with a good Enterostomal Nurse - ET nurses who can help you problem-solve over time. It's been five years since my initial surgery, and I had a great visit with a new ET nurse in December. He really helped me with the problem of high output at night. I had been getting up every 90-120 minutes to empty my high output bag because of filling. If I slept for three hours without emptying, I would have problems. My ET nurse helped my husband and me make a nighttime collection system using a Rubbermaid juice container with a handle and my old CPAP hose. This is connected to one of my two-piece high output bags and allows for continual drainage. It isn't pretty, but it has been a real lifesaver. I guess the real message I want to share is to stick with it, find a nurse who you can work with, and together you will find solutions to whatever challenges you face. This website is also an important support for me and others. There is nothing you will go through that others haven't already faced and figured out. There is so much wisdom here. Read the materials they've put together for newbies. There are a lot of great suggestions to use. I hope things get better quickly for you.
Karen
I am one of those few people who still have a lot of output at night. However, I suffer from short gut syndrome after seven bowel surgeries that led to the loss of much of my small intestine as well as my large intestine from the initial bowel cancer surgery. It does get better over time as your system adjusts, but an ileostomy can be a challenging adjustment. It's important to connect with a good Enterostomal Nurse - ET nurses who can help you problem-solve over time. It's been five years since my initial surgery, and I had a great visit with a new ET nurse in December. He really helped me with the problem of high output at night. I had been getting up every 90-120 minutes to empty my high output bag because of filling. If I slept for three hours without emptying, I would have problems. My ET nurse helped my husband and me make a nighttime collection system using a Rubbermaid juice container with a handle and my old CPAP hose. This is connected to one of my two-piece high output bags and allows for continual drainage. It isn't pretty, but it has been a real lifesaver. I guess the real message I want to share is to stick with it, find a nurse who you can work with, and together you will find solutions to whatever challenges you face. This website is also an important support for me and others. There is nothing you will go through that others haven't already faced and figured out. There is so much wisdom here. Read the materials they've put together for newbies. There are a lot of great suggestions to use. I hope things get better quickly for you.
Karen
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pamela.hill
Mar 18, 2025 4:10 pm
I am having it as a side dish with tortilla. I used to love eating tomatoes and miss them.
Thank you for your comments; it has helped. I have to keep reminding myself to try things and see what happens.
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Justbreathe
Mar 18, 2025 5:36 pm
Hi Susan… ileostomy here going on 5 years now… and very fortunate to be able to eat any and all foods I ate prior to that incident with the scalpel-wielding surgeon. Just thought I'd pass this along for any new ileostomates reading posts… as always, we are all so totally different and each must take baby steps to return to what may be normal for us… “the bend in the road is not the end of the road unless we fail to make the turn” and, oh yeah, chew, chew, chew… 🫶🏼 jb
TerryLT
Mar 18, 2025 9:44 pm
When I had my colostomy, I had no food restrictions at all (still don't really, just need to chew more) and never gave it a second thought. If you want to be super careful, start with a small amount.
Terry
Axl
Mar 19, 2025 12:09 am
I eat everything; just start introducing new things gently. There is no need to punish yourself.
infinitycastle52777
Mar 19, 2025 12:54 pm
It is my understanding that people with a colostomy can eat a wider range of things than people like me with an ileostomy. Just remember to chew, chew, chew and take it slow and easy till you know how you are going to react to something. Then, if you have a problem, it will only be a minor problem, not a major problem.
Doe1mama
Mar 23, 2025 1:27 pm
My husband has an ileostomy and eats a few slices of tomato on all his sandwiches without issues.
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