Fear of Eating Hot Dogs with a Colostomy Bag

I've had my colostomy bag for two months now. I love hot dogs but was told by my nurse not to eat them or take the casing off to reduce the chance of a blockage. Has anyone had an issue eating hot dogs? My favorite is Nathan's.

I have a colostomy and am also a hot dog lover. Take the casing off, or try skinless ones, just to be on the safe side at first. Eat a small amount to see how you tolerate them and chew them well. Enjoy!

Ileostomy, I have no problems with them. Just try a few mouthfuls the first time and go from there. The only way you will find out if they are okay for you is to try them. The nurse should know much better, but sadly some don't! She just said to try everything you like in small amounts at first.

Hotdogs, unless they have thick homemade casings on them, shouldn't be a problem. Brats are what seem to be more of an issue for me. The best tip I can offer you or anyone else is that when chewing, if it feels like it's not breaking down (like corn), then peel the casings off.

It's highly unlikely that the casing on hot dogs would be an issue with a colostomy. Most people with colostomies can eat completely normally. Your doctor may have warned you about it post-surgery, just because it takes time to heal and tissue is swollen. To be on the safe side, just eat a small amount, like half of the wiener to start. Enjoy.

Terry

My Ostomy Journey: Bruce | Hollister

I have had my colostomy for 17 months, have eaten many hot dogs, and never had an issue. I did eat “turkey” chili only once, and that I will not try again. 😊

As others have suggested, try a few bites, chew really well, and see how it goes.

I have an ileostomy and eat hot dogs and sausage frequently. I was never told not to eat them. But proceed with caution.

Nathan's makes skinless hot dogs. Enjoy.

G-Day stlblaze,

Totally agree with Alex, make it a no-brainer and just buy skinless.

Regards, IGGIE

I have a colostomy and love hot dogs—fortunately, I am able to eat them without any problems. Normally, those with colostomies—larger openings than ileostomies—will have no problem eating hot dogs. Surgeries cause adhesions, and adhesions can lead to food blockages even for those with colostomies. Therefore, to be sure you can safely eat hot dogs, try eating only a half hot dog initially and chew it until it has been broken down to mush—this ensures maximal coverage with saliva, which aids in digestive breakdown.

So excited. Gonna eat one tomorrow.

No issue here.

I buy skinless hot dogs when I get a hankering for a hot dog. It is possible to get hot dogs casing-free.

And if you've seen the movie The Great Outdoors, you know what hot dogs are made of. 😁 😋

I have an ileostomy, and I have no problems with any foods. Just remember the ostomy golden rule of advice: CHEW, CHEW, CHEW, and everything will digest without blockage.

The skinless ones are so skinny. I like the big restaurant-style ones. Um um!

I love hot dogs too! I was told not to eat them. Then my nurse suggested Nathan's skinless hot dogs, and they are delicious and work well. I think Nathan's is the only brand that makes skinless hot dogs. I hope you can find them.

I have had a reversal for 2 years now, but I still buy them. My reversal has been very successful, thank the Lord.

My husband has an ileostomy and eats hot dogs. He just knows he has to chew really well.

I was warned away from any meats with casings. After my 6-week post-op, I was given carte blanche to resume my diet, as long as I added new foods slowly. I still try to avoid casings as much as possible, though I love a good Italian or Polish sausage, so we buy the Nathan's skinless. No issues, and I'm 9 months post-surgery. I'm just super careful with all the rest of the cased meat family.

I've had my ileostomy since 1971. I have never had an issue with hot dogs.

Don't be a spoilsport, Alex. 😊 We have an ostomy; let us enjoy some rewards! 😉