Having had a sigmoid colostomy in December, I have had no real issues until a couple of weeks ago. Now, every time I eat, within minutes, I begin production where I have to remove stool and many times replace the bag. I watch what I eat and avoid all the foods that diets suggest. Since this is a new development, I do plan to ask the gastroenterologist. I would have thought this was a function post-surgery, but not now. I am reading about short bowel syndrome, but I would think that wouldn't start 8 months post-surgery. It's exhausting cleaning 5-8 times daily. I am eating foods that are supposed to slow this, but it's still not working. I appreciate any comments and suggestions.
Ojibwa
Aug 02, 2025 12:52 am
SusanT
Aug 02, 2025 1:32 am
I've had similar problems, massive highly liquid output.
Potatoes helped me a little; nothing else did squat. But it wasn't much. My problem seems to have improved a bit now that I'm off TPN. I can only guess that getting fewer IV liquids means I absorb more from the colon.
Push your doctor for answers. I was working on that, but I have some other complications that were distracting from the issue.
You might want to look into bile malabsorption syndrome. That was my working theory for myself.
Good luck! Let us know what the doctor says. You aren't the first person to come on asking about this kind of problem with a colostomy.
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Hugo
This site has been a blessing for me in learning how to cope with and navigate this journey as an ostomate. I have a colostomy as a result of a perforation in my colon since May of this year. I don't know yet if it will be permanent or reversible. The people on here have provided me with so much advice and information about living with an ostomy that I don't think I could get anywhere else. You all have given me hope and a place to come to for support. I still struggle with acceptance, but know that it will come if I am patient. Patience has never been my strong suit! Also, I love all the humor, although it really pissed me off when I first came on here. Thanks to all of you.
lclark5585
Aug 02, 2025 1:37 am
That happens periodically with mine, especially when I've been overheated or stressed out for several days. I don't understand how it happens, either. I've often wondered if it's related to liver function. I do increase electrolytes and lie down more until it stops. Hope you're feeling well soon!
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Hugo
Aug 02, 2025 3:27 pm
I've had my colostomy for 14 months, and the same happens to me, often with no rhyme or reason. You may want to try taking Imodium. It usually works for me.
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yip.susan21
Aug 02, 2025 4:27 pm
There are two foods I've found that slow things down: I eat half a banana or a couple of slices of baked sweet potato before meals. And I'm on a no-sugar-added diet. (Which, as it turns out, helps on a lot of fronts, everything from gut to eyes, to teeth, to liver, to pancreas, and blood sugar.)
Jayne
Aug 02, 2025 4:54 pm
Side word to Susan .................... Good to learn you are off TPN .................. Aug 1st?
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ J ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
infinitycastle52777
Aug 02, 2025 6:39 pm
I agree with Hugo; try taking Imodium. It can slow down production. Sometimes you have to take it three times a day, an hour before meals. It worked for me when I first got my ostomy and had problems with my bag filling up too fast. I don't usually have that problem anymore, but when I did, that is what helped.