Using Marshmallows to Manage Bathroom Needs During Travel

I have heard recommendations for using marshmallows to slow down output when you'll be swimming or away from bathrooms for a while. Has anyone tried this? If so, how many, how long before activity, any other tips?

I'm heading out for a long out-of-country trip next month and wondering if marshmallows are a good idea for the long flight or long days on a boat.

G-Day PP,

Some of our members say marshmallows work well; I have never tried them, but the ones that do will come in soon and let you know. But too many, and you're going to put on weight.

Have a good holiday. Regards, IGGIE

Iggie makes a good point about the weight gain. Marshmallows are pure sugar! If you want to slow down your output, why not take some Imodium with you? It's easier to take than having to carry marshmallows around with you.

Terry

I use marshmallows sometimes when I change my bag about an hour before I change it, and it lasts for a little while to slow down the flow. It doesn't stop it entirely. It was my ostomy nurse who suggested it. She actually told me to keep marshmallows in the bathroom. LOL I don't do that, but I have them in my bedroom.

Immodium would be the better, easier choice. Take just 1 tablet in the morning to experiment and test.

It works pretty fast. Then take another at lunch.

And take 1 last one at dinner time.

Avoid the sugar at all costs.

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Good luck with your operation tomorrow, IC.

Regards, IGGIE

Thanks Iggie. I am really nervous, but I am focusing on silly things today. Like what if they try to take off my bag during surgery and they don't have any adhesive remover? And what if they give me a bag with a stupid clip to replace my bag? I hate those clip thingys; I like Velcro bags. I am used to my Velcro bags. So I am thinking of silly stuff today, not about pain and going under the knife. I am ridiculous, I guess. It's a nice distraction to think about bags.

Try not to overthink; just chill out, and whatever happens is what happens. Then just fix it.

I remember my father telling me about worrying.

"He said if you worry and nothing happens, then you have worried for nothing, but if something does happen, then just fix it."

Good luck sending good vibes your way.

IGGIE

Good luck, my dear. I've been praying for you.

 

Marshmallows don't really work for me, and if I eat three or more, I get a stomach ache. I use Imodium.

I use them; I find they work quite well. Or, if I really want to slow things down, eggs—omelette, scrambled, poached—all work for me.

Not everyone is the same. A colostomate will react differently than an ileostomate. I have short bowel syndrome, and I could have half a dozen Imodium in one go to no effect.

I have tried marshmallows and didn't find much of a difference, but once I thought I was blocked, so I stopped doing that. I have also tried Imodium and didn't find it to stop anything either. A friend of mine takes a prescription Imodium daily before going to her morning yoga, and it helps her, but then she doesn't eat anything before her workout either. The main thing is to eat less before and during the flight.

Very good point.

The mantra here is rarely two people will react the same.

The O.P. has an ileo; most have tried Imodium. It worked for them and me.

SBS is entirely a different story.

IDK about colostomy folk.

One person with a colostomy here said they would die on Imodium daily (not literally).

So others should chime in.

Marshmallows are high in sugar, as the "Igg" pointed out.

Gotta trial and error this stuff.

I eat 3 or 4 marshmallows before a bag change. I also change in the morning when my output is lowest. The marshmallows work well, and I believe they work quicker than Imodium.

Yes to marshmallows, but only to a degree for me, although everyone is different. I found 2 gastro stop caps the absolute best solution. 😊

Agree, stay away from too much sugar. I tried marshmallows and they didn't do anything for me. My stoma nurse also suggested. I wonder where they got that information from, although I see it a lot on the web.

Superglue sandwich does it every time.

IGGIE

That's my go-to on bag change days.🤣

Coffee + biscuit; 5 marshmallows + 2 Imodium; 30 minutes later = naked shower.

Still a wee bit of output during the process, but manageable with a bit of paper towel taped over the stoma after the shower until getting a new bag on.

Yes. Absolutely, marshmallows work. Get the original larger size for roasting over a fire, not the tiny ones. Eat 6-8 of them 30 minutes prior to activities. Also, eat 6-8 of them prior to a bag change. The stoma has never pooped while I'm in the process of changing my bag. It's usually 2-3 hours after I change my bag before I see even minimal poop. Give it a try; it works!

After all those marshmallows, not only would I be well over weight, but I wouldn't poop for a week. That's way overdoing it.

Regards, IGGIE

But Iggie, your dentist will love you. There is that!

Yo couch potato! Get moving. I learned about marshmallows on MaO & LOVE IT. I chew up 4, real good, first thing in the am. After 45-1hr, I service my "little buddy." I do my early am routine & lie on my back a bit, first. A chux now lasts all month! Will not help you on a long flight. Carry your support bag w/ you. Eat a few hrs before flight & empty pouch before boarding. Look at the tray they give you & choose thickening foods only. Small sips of water only! 11 hrs to Japan & emptied only twice. A bit tricky in Boeing's tiny lavatory. Have a wonderful trip!

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Terry, I have to try it! Four marshmallows weigh nothing, and I change them every 5-6 days.

If you have a pouch and flange, you can put toilet tissue in the pouch to absorb, but don't pack it in; just a little at the bottom of the pouch.