Hello Slowmamma: I too, am I newbie. I am 13 weeks post surgery. I had been very sick before I had my ileostomy and had lost over 40 pounds. So it is taking me a long time to gain any weight, and everything I ate would exit within an hour or so, and was all liquid. Two weeks ago, I bought a Nutribullet and have been drinking smoothies every morning. I have gained 4 more pounds. So as of today I have only gained a total of ten pounds, since surgery. My stools have been more bulky. I also take Metamucil in pill form twice a day and a probiotic I purchased at GNC. I also eat jelly beans, gummy bears and gummy life savers. It seems to be working. I was never a big eater either. I have a Pepsi in the morning, because I do not drink coffee, but need the caffeine. Then I have a smoothie, and a little breakfast; maybe an English muffin with peanut butter and butter. Then for lunch, I like Chicken Ramen and have 2 pkgs and that has a lot of calories and protein. Dinner almost anything, but try to have pasta and a little meat. We need the protein for our muscles. I had been so weak and feel a little stronger now.
With my smoothies, I have been putting spinach, blueberries, strawberries and a banana with flax seed. That will stay with me about 4-5 hours and really thickens my stool. This machine pulverizes everything, so I don't have to worry about blockage. I miss my lettuce and surgeon told me I could eat it if I chew well. I try to eat a hard boiled egg with my salads and skin my tomato and pick out seeds. Load it with cheese, I love Gorgonzola, and cream dressings. I used to love milk, but it seems to go right through me. I have never ate as much as I have been eating lately and I do feel like vomiting too, although, I haven't had to. It seems I get very hungry about bed time. So I have an ice cream bar or any ice cream with hot fudge topping. All dairy doesn't seem to bother me, just plain old milk. I am gearing up for surgery #2, which will be a hysterectomy. I am 55 years old. But they tell me my uterus is like stuck to my colon. If I am lucky, I will have that removed and have my reversal. If not, my third surgery will be at the end of December. I have to go see a OB-GYN specialist next Monday and see if they can do all this at the same time. I need to have about 8-10 inches removed from my lower colon, due to narrowing. Still confused as to how this happened because I have never had problems with my GI system.
If you decide to add the supplements that I have mentioned, take them after a meal, as I have had whole pills come out of my stoma. Also, I have added a daily yogurt. I was getting really tired of practically living in the bathroom emptying my friggin bag. Now, I have a little more confidence when I go out. Hope this helps, because as several other ostemates have stated, it is all trial and error. Stay away from spicy food. Imodium is good to have on hand, it will slow your stool down too.