Diet Suggestions for Colostomy and Diabetes Management

Hi, I had a colostomy in early September, and the cleaning and handling of the pouch are going well. I am, however, figuring out what to eat and what will digest the best. I am also diabetic, and the things I have been eating that work well with my stomach are not the best for diabetes. So far, my sugars have been good, but now they keep rising. Any suggestions would be welcome. Thanks.

G-Day Quilter,

You want to know which food digests the best. Meat digests totally, but only if you eat meat alone. So no veggies, just meat. Try it and you will see, but if you add veggies, like potatoes, it will be a thicker outlet. Try just a good big cut of steak and see how you go. It's the Carnivore diet; it also helps you lose weight.

Regards, IGGIE

I would eat what's good for your diabetes first and then worry about your output. Having a colostomy should mean you have most of your digestive tract, and it shouldn't be much different than before your ostomy. The difference now is you don't have control over when it comes out, so a person thinks they can control it, or it's out of control, and they want to control it. Before your ostomy, your poop still builds up, but you don't feel/notice it until it hits the “sensor,” and you gotta poop.

Eating following a stoma is individualized. Personally, I have an ileostomy and can eat anything that I could before my stoma, including salads, popcorn, and nuts. It is best to take it slowly and try different foods in small amounts. Assuming you have a sigmoid colostomy, your bowel function should not vary too much from before your colostomy.

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What sorts of things are you eating? If you can find some veggies that work well for you, that will help. Also, some fruits—just be careful because fruits can be high in sugar. Like applesauce, get the no sugar added kind. Get no sugar added canned fruits or fruit cups, too. That will help cut down on the sugar. Balance your meals with protein, veggies, fruit, and dairy. If all else fails, seek a dietitian.

My Ostomy Journey: LeeAnne | Hollister

Thank you. I don't want my bowel function to return to the way it was before. I had uncontrollable diarrhea and constipation whenever and wherever it wanted to occur. So far, I am being very careful with what I eat and trying a few new things at a time. Probably never salads or nuts.

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