This topic is all about finding ways to eat healthily and manage weight with an ileostomy. The person sharing their experience has been living with an ileostomy for several years and is now looking to adopt a healthier diet and lose some weight gained after surgery. They are seeking practical advice on safe foods, ingredient substitutions, and ostomy-friendly recipes.

Here are some helpful tips and insights:

1. Recipe and Information Sources
- Check out veganostomy.ca for a variety of ostomy-tested recipes, which are not limited to vegan options.
- Look online for smoothie recipes and "oatcakes" made from ground oats, which are soft and nutrient-rich.

2. General Eating Strategies
- Chew your food thoroughly, and consider using a mini-chopper or blender if needed.
- Opt for small, frequent meals and stay hydrated with plenty of water or other fluids to keep output thin and prevent dehydration.
- Introduce new foods slowly, in small amounts, and monitor how your body reacts each time.

3. Foods to Approach with Caution or Modify
- Be cautious with high-fiber raw produce like corn, raw carrots, cabbage, stringy celery, and pineapple core, as well as whole nuts, which can cause blockages or leaks. Consider cooking, peeling, blending, or avoiding them as necessary.
- "Stringy" or tough meats like pulled pork can be difficult to digest and may cause obstructions. Opt for tender cuts, mince, or slow-cook meats until very soft.
- For salads, try well-chewed lettuce or substitute with low-calorie wraps, steamed greens, or marinated vegetables that soften fiber, such as coleslaw.

4. Practical Meal Ideas
- Asian-flavored ground-turkey lettuce (or low-calorie wrap) cups with cooked fillings instead of raw crunch and nuts.
- Cooked-cabbage salad with grilled chicken.
- Blended sweet-potato and carrot soup with curry and chicken broth.
- Homemade oatcakes (made from steel-cut and rolled oats ground to flour) topped with cheese, peanut butter, or smoked salmon.
- Fruit or vegetable smoothies for any meal, with added protein powder if needed.

5. Managing Gas, High Output, or Bloating
- Consider trying a low-FODMAP diet if you experience frequent gas or bloating. This involves reducing raw fruits and veggies, artificial and real sugars, onions, garlic, citrus, and similar foods.
- Sweetened drinks like Crystal Light can contribute to gas, so try switching to plain water with a pinch of salt for hydration.

6. Weight-Loss and Overall Nutrition
- Focus on limiting added sugars rather than fats, as excess sugar can lead to weight gain and even non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
- Include "good" fats like olive, avocado, and grapeseed oils, as well as nuts and nut butters, for satiety and nutrient absorption.
- Choose healthier cooking methods such as baking, roasting, grilling, or steaming instead of deep-frying.
- Allow yourself occasional treats, like a donut, to make healthy eating more sustainable.

7. Professional Help
- Consider consulting a registered dietitian who is familiar with ostomies for personalized guidance and reassurance.