Post-Op Surgery 7 Days Ago: Lots of Bloating

Any suggestions on how to mitigate intense bloating? I am having so much pain and discomfort in my abdomen after eating. Thank you.

You may be eating too much or the wrong kinds of food. Ease your digestive system into functioning again. Eat small meals and stick to easily digested, low-residue/low-fiber foods. It will take time.

Any suggestions on easily digestible foods? I've been sticking to bread, pasta, and eggs.

Hubz overate right after surgery before we received instructions for any kind of diet. He was so hungry, so I brought what he seemed to want up from the hospital cafeteria! Oops!

He was okay, but it was a lot, and we went online to get the list of low-res, easily digestible foods. There are a lot of resources out there.

He gradually introduced other foods as he healed and felt better and made adjustments from there.

First week after my colostomy:

Started out with chicken broth soup. Then very small meals of chicken, mashed potatoes (no skin), sliced apple with skin removed, white rice, a little cheese, and a bottle of Ensure Enlive shake. Lots of water and Gfit Gatorade.

Chew, chew, chew... then chew a little more. Don't chug water, sip it. Too much at one time... you'll just pee it out, won't be absorbed. Make sure to include electrolytes. I avoided vegetables.

Second week I added protein bars.

Third week, started eating regular. Hamburgers, salmon, chicken. But no vegetables. NO fried food, no soda.

By the 5th week... I cautiously ate nuts and popcorn. Well chewed with lots of water. My stoma didn't like it at first. No blockages, but it took a while for the digested nuts and popcorn to appear in the bag.

Don't use a straw. Swallowed air contributes to bloating. Don't chew gum either.

Living with Your Ostomy | Hollister

Welcome
Hi, and welcome to the site. You've come to the right place. Education is key on this new journey of yours. I suggest you check out UOAA, United Ostomy Association of America. It's our national organization. Also, Ostomy101.com. You will learn about foods, hydration, blockages, skin care, clothing, ostomy products, travel, activities, exercise, and a whole host of other tricks of the trade.
You might also want to check out a local support group near you.
Just remember you are never alone on this new journey. We're all here for you.
Wearing a pouch does not define who you are. There are solutions to whatever comes up. You've got this. Ask all your questions. Remember, we're here for you. Best of luck.🌈

Have you tried saltine crackers? When I first had my ostomy, my ostomy nurse had me keep a food journal. That way, I could know what I was eating and how much, as well as knowing what is and isn't working and what caused symptoms. You might try keeping a record for a while and see if you can get some clues as to what is causing you discomfort. Also, it might just be the newness of your ostomy. It takes time for your body to adjust.

I did the BRAT diet, and that helped a bit: bananas, rice, apples, and toast, with cooked veggies, fruits, and proteins that my body could tolerate. Nothing raw for a good while, unfortunately. Honestly, start a food journal. You will know right away what the “no foods” are and slowly find your “yes” list with time.

My surgeon has said that when things are acting up, or you're newly post-op, to employ the BRAT diet. Avoid fiber and dense foods for a bit - keep things soft, and drink plenty of fluids. Protein smoothies are great. You learn your way and how to balance things. As others said, keeping a food journal is good, so you can hopefully find your triggers. It gets better and easier - hang in there!

Be careful with the quantity of protein shakes you have. My dietitian and cancer surgeon said they are heavily processed (vegan ones included). Almost all of his younger patients who have been diagnosed with non-genetic colon cancer had drinking them daily in common, as well as consuming other processed foods, supplements from health food stores, and the obvious bad stuff like sugar, alcohol, red meats, and fried foods.

I agree with limiting processed foods, including protein shakes. However, as a short-term strategy for the first few weeks post-surgery, I think protein shakes are fine. Just don't turn them into a long-term lifestyle.

Yup, the long-term lifestyle was one of my errors for sure.