Gurgling and Low Appetite After Ileostomy

Hi

I am 8 weeks in from my ileostomy and suffering from low appetite, a full feeling, and lots of gurgling. Did anyone else suffer this? Does it eventually go away?

Thanks

Petrr

When you don't eat or eat very little, your stomach fills up with wind and comes out of your bag. That's why you will be having gurgling noises. Once you get back to eating your normal diet, it will mostly stop; you will get the occasional noise, more so when you're somewhere quiet with an audience to hear! Yes, it's normal not to feel like eating at first or to overeat; you just have to almost force yourself to eat.

Thanks, Ben. I am forcing myself to eat a reasonable amount. I just find this uncomfortable feeling and low appetite quite dispiriting and worrying. How long did it last for before settling? I am 8 weeks now.

It's a bit unusual to me; the day after surgery, I was eating normally. I guess people react differently, but I would keep eating a little more than what you think you want. You'll get your strength back quicker and recover faster.

Plenty of electrolytes and high-protein foods, scrambled eggs and toast always went down a treat when I was recovering from surgery.

Things like lasagna are really good, both protein in meat and carbs to help absorb fluid.

Hope you get back to somewhat normal soon.

Mr B

Thanks, mate, I'm trying……

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Electrolyte imbalances can make you feel sick and might be hurting your appetite. I'd try increasing your electrolytes. If it doesn't improve in a week or two, get your doctor to draw blood and check.

I had appetite problems for about 6-8 weeks post-surgery, but we did find my electrolytes to be a problem there at the end.

I agree with the things others have said. I would add that if you eat several small meals a day instead of three big meals, it might be more manageable for you. Eat snacks: crackers and cheese, peanut butter, bananas, avocados. If that doesn't work, try drinking a protein drink. Be careful not to get all your nutrition from drinks, though, because that will lead to high liquid output.

Agreeing with everyone above, but I'd like to ask, do you still have any large intestine left? Did you have your rectum and anus removed and sewn up?

Kenn/Barbie butt).

My taste buds were affected after the Ken butt surgery.

I didn't want to eat or drink anything.

Became dehydrated. Went back to the hospital twice. This was last year.

How does your food taste? Do you think taste loss is the reason why you don't want to eat?

Thank you, very helpful.

Thanks for your reply. Yes, I still have all my colon, etc. I had to have emergency surgery following repeated severe bouts of diverticulitis, and I was too inflamed internally to remove the sigmoid colon.

Yes, my taste buds are affected, and I feel continually full/uncomfortable.

Thank you. I will ask to get my electrolytes checked. I do find the electrolyte supplements/drinks pretty unpalatable, though.