Struggling with Weight Loss After Ileostomy and Health Challenges

Hi everyone, this is my first time posting. I've had my ileostomy for 5.5 years now; it was supposed to be temporary, but COVID kicked in 6 months ago. I finally went in for a reversal, but then boom, I went into total respiratory failure, so my consultant is not for doing the reversal now. I have to say I've never gotten used to it and was so happy when I thought finally. So you can imagine my disappointment. I'm on quite a few meds for osteoporosis, depression, and chronic pain. I don't eat a lot, and still, I can't get rid of weight. I can't walk far due to fractures in my back, which gets me down big time. I just need help.

G-Day Wonderlay,

A lot of people on here have lost weight by going on the carnivore diet. If you Google "carnivore," you can learn all there is to know about it. There is a thing called chair exercises that you can also look up.

Regards, IGGIE

Talk to your doctor about seeing a physical therapist to improve your strength. I'd be reluctant to start any exercise program without medical advice given your back issues. But you are much too young to be in this bad of shape.

Same advice on diet. See a nutritionist. As weak as you are, you need to be careful that you are getting the appropriate nutrients while trying to lose weight. Although I suspect that increased physical activity may be your best bet.

As far as the ileostomy goes, it seems like many people who expect a reversal never fully embrace their ostomy. Hang out here and meet some people who love their ostomies.

I have 2 permanent ostomies, a colostomy and a urostomy. I am grateful to have them. They saved my life.

Welcome from Oz 🇦🇺

Hi Wonderlay, welcome to the site! From snowy N. Michigan, we just surpassed 300 in. for the season. Any exercise is better than none, even if it's just walking around in your house, especially if you have stairs to go up and down.

My Ostomy Journey: April | Hollister

I hear ya, Susan. Yes, my ileostomy saved my life, and I too am grateful... but "love it"? I think not.

Months ago, my chemo doc had me start with 1 minute per day of walking around my house, and if I needed to rest halfway through, it was fine. I added 1 minute every week (so the 2nd week was 2 minutes per day of walking), and I'm now up to at least 30 minutes of walking outside (because it's a beautiful spring here and inspires me). I still use my hiking pole to ensure my balance, and sometimes I stop to catch my breath, and it's all good. I hear your disappointment and can relate; I was told that mine was temporary, but when they found the cancer, they said no reversal while you're dealing with chemo. That may change now, seeing a surgeon next week for a 2nd opinion. I'm sorry you're having such a rough time; the people on here are wonderful.

Thanks for your advice. I will definitely look them up. It's so good to talk to people who understand  👌🍀

Thanks for your advice. I will definitely look them up. It's so good to talk to people who understand 👌🍀

I understand your disappointment about the reversal. I thought I was going to have a reversal right up until a month before the surgery when my doctor finally told me there was no hope of a reversal ever. I was crushed. She told me I have a permanent ileostomy. That was after 5 months of planning on a reversal. I was crushed. At least you might be able to get a reversal sometime in the future.

That's gotta be so hard. At least I knew my fate all along... no stringing me along with false hope.

Perhaps the OP would be better off giving up hope for now. Then, if reversal is possible down the road, it will be a pleasant surprise.

Yeah, because if you count on it and it doesn't happen, it's a big letdown. But if it does become possible, then it's a great thing.

Stay as tough as you can; it's really important. I started with simple stretches sitting in a chair, and you begin to feel better pretty quickly when you're more flexible. Strength!

Hi, I'm sorry for your news. I totally understand. I had a perforated bowel due to my diverticulitis in 2019 and was due to get a reversal 6 months after, then COVID happened. Six months ago, I finally was going in for a reversal and went into total respiratory failure. My consultant won't touch me now or the hernia I developed. So, it's ileostomy for life now. I have never gotten used to it; life has totally changed. I constantly get ulcers near the stoma, just a nightmare, but I do try and tell myself there are other people worse off. I'm here to talk if you ever want to.