This topic is about a person who has experienced significant changes in their weight and calorie needs after undergoing ileostomy surgery. They are trying to understand why they are gaining weight so easily and why their calorie requirements have changed so drastically compared to before the surgery. Here are some insights and advice shared by others:

1. The person initially lost weight by strictly controlling their calorie intake, starting at 362 pounds and reducing to 240 pounds by consuming 1,900 calories a day, then 1,400 calories when weight loss plateaued.

2. After stopping the diet to prepare for ileostomy surgery due to ulcerative colitis, they maintained their weight at 240 pounds on 1,900 calories for a year.

3. Post-surgery complications led to a further weight loss of 42 pounds, bringing them down to 198 pounds.

4. They increased their calorie intake to 2,000 calories to regain some weight but ended up gaining 50 pounds in seven months, reaching 250 pounds.

5. To return to 240 pounds, they had to reduce their intake to 1,200 calories and can only maintain their weight on 1,500 calories or less.

6. They are considering a very low intake of 1,000 calories a day to lose the last 20 pounds but are confused because this seems too low according to general guidelines.

7. Exercise options are limited due to bad knees and an arthritic back.

Additional questions and concerns include:

- Difficulty with low-carb diets due to a preference for carbohydrates and concerns about cost.
- Curiosity about whether it is normal to gain weight easily and require low calories after an ileostomy.
- Wondering why their calorie needs have changed so much compared to before the surgery.

Advice and insights from others include:

- Consider a low-carb or Atkins-style diet, which may help with gas, residue, and cholesterol levels.
- Seek a medical and nutritional work-up, including micronutrient panels and bloodwork, to understand any metabolic changes post-surgery.
- Avoid very low-calorie diets long-term and try to incorporate any feasible physical activity, such as house walking, chair exercises, or light chores.
- Engage in hobbies or outdoor activities to stay busy and reduce mindless eating.
- Stay hydrated to help manage hunger and support stoma output.
- Focus on vegetables that are tolerated well, and consider cooking or blending produce if raw roughage causes issues.
- If sweating causes the barrier to itch during exercise, consult with a stoma nurse about suitable products.
- Recognize that stress, lifestyle changes, and emotional factors can affect appetite and weight, and seek support to manage these challenges.