Adjusting your diet after an ileostomy can be a bit of a journey, especially when it comes to managing the consistency of your output and ensuring your bag doesn't overfill. This is particularly important if you have a busy job, like working in media. Here are some insights and advice that might help:

- Ileostomy vs. Colostomy
- An ileostomy typically results in thinner output, which means it needs to be emptied more often than a colostomy. If your output is thick and pasty, it might be due to not drinking enough fluids.

- Hydration
- Make sure to drink plenty of water. Coffee alone isn't enough, and not drinking enough can make your output thicker and increase the risk of blockages. Trying to reduce water intake to thicken output isn't effective or healthy.

- Foods that Thicken Output
- Foods like bananas, white rice, pasta, potatoes (without the skin), marshmallows, and avocado can help thicken your output. Simple starches are better than fibrous foods if your output is too liquid. Some people use small portions of these foods to manage consistency.

- Foods that Loosen or Liquefy Output
- Leafy salads, cooked or raw vegetables, fruits, fizzy drinks, and black coffee can make your output more liquid. Caffeinated coffee, in particular, can quickly help if your output is too thick.

- Blockage and Difficult-to-Digest Foods
- Be cautious with nuts, corn, peas, raw vegetables, mushroom pieces, onion pieces, fruit and vegetable skins, tough meats, and pork. Introduce new foods slowly and chew them well. Cooking or steaming vegetables can make them easier to digest. Some people can handle leafy greens like rocket, spinach, and romaine in moderation, but it's all about trial and error.

- Meal Pattern
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals can help manage the volume and pressure in your pouch. Keep snacks like crackers and water handy to avoid long periods without eating.

- Medications
- Medications like Gastro-Stop or Imodium (loperamide) might be prescribed initially to slow down output, but many people find they can manage with diet adjustments over time. Doctors often recommend focusing on dietary changes before relying on anti-diarrheal medications.

- Bag-Burst Anxiety
- Regularly emptying your bag can prevent overfilling. Most people find that they don't experience bag bursts, and confidence grows as you get used to your routine and learn your personal output patterns.

- General Tips
- Everyone's tolerance to different foods varies, so keeping a food diary can help you track how different meals affect your output. If you experience unusually thick output or pain, increase your fluid intake and consider a soft or liquid diet for a short period. If you continue to have issues with blockages or significant changes in consistency, seeking professional dietary advice can be beneficial.