Hello Slowmamma: I too, am a 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 packages, and that has a lot of calories and protein. Dinner is almost anything, but I 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 flaxseed. 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 the 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 eaten 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 bedtime. 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 an 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. I'm 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 ostomates 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.