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Feb 20, 2022

Managing partial bowel obstruction post-surgery - Seeking advice on diet and exercises.

This topic is about managing a partial bowel obstruction after having an ileostomy, focusing on diet and exercise guidance. The person sharing their experience has had multiple abdominal surgeries and is dealing with two hernias. They were recently hospitalized due to a partial bowel obstruction and are now on a full-liquid diet. They are looking for advice on how to prevent another obstruction, especially regarding diet and exercise.

Here are some helpful suggestions and insights:

1. The person is currently:
- Chewing each bite about 20 times.
- Eating very slowly and in small amounts.
- Increasing physical activity but unsure which exercises are safe.
- Planning to get a referral for physical therapy soon.

2. They are transitioning from a puréed diet to several small meals instead of three large ones and are drinking more water. The obstruction was caused by adhesions or scar tissue. They own an exercise bike but haven't used it yet. Previously advised to eat high-fiber, they are now instructed to follow a low-fiber diet and seek clarity on this.

3. Professional and support resources:
- Contact a local WOC (Wound/Ostomy/Continence) nurse for post-surgery advice.
- Explore resources like the United Ostomy Associations of America website and The Phoenix ostomy magazine for educational material and support groups.
- Consider consulting a registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice.

4. General diet practices:
- Stay well-hydrated and chew food thoroughly before swallowing.
- Introduce new foods slowly and in small amounts.
- Drink a large glass of water after meals to aid digestion.
- Choose low-fiber, easy-to-digest foods and avoid fibrous skins and tough foods.

5. Foods to limit or avoid:
- Tough red meats, hard pizza crust, raw apple skins, and other dense foods.
- High-fiber items that can't be chewed into a smooth paste.
- Be cautious with mushrooms, as they may cause blockages for some.

6. Easy-to-digest meal ideas:
- Soft-cooked vegetables with quick-cooking noodles like Ramen, adding soft proteins such as boiled eggs, flaked salmon, or finely shredded chicken.
- Fish like fresh salmon and home-grown pears are noted as well-tolerated.

7. Activity and exercise:
- Gentle, regular movement is important; walking for at least five minutes after meals can help with digestion.
- Using a stationary or exercise bike is recommended, possibly with entertainment to make it more enjoyable.
- Avoid strenuous abdominal exercises to protect hernias and seek guidance from a physical therapist.
- Maintain an upright posture after meals to prevent bowel kinking.

8. Additional practical tips:
- Search forums for "blockage" topics to find shared strategies.
- Stay hydrated throughout the day, not just at meals.
- Be patient and experiment, as each body reacts differently; monitor how specific foods and activities affect you.
See full discusison
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