This topic is about preparing a 26-year-old with an ileostomy for an upcoming surgery. The focus is on nutrition, specifically losing weight and increasing protein intake, while considering the challenges posed by the ileostomy. Here are some helpful insights and advice:
1. Protein Intake:
- Consider foods like meat, poultry, eggs, baked beans, tofu, veggie burgers without seeds, peanut butter, and high-protein yogurts.
- Try ready-to-drink shakes such as Costco high-protein shakes, Ensure High Protein, and plant-based options like Arbonne Protein Powder and Vega Sport Protein Powder.
- Pea protein and other plant-based powders are good lactose-free alternatives to whey.
2. Juicing Guidelines:
- Use a juicer that separates juice from pulp and fiber, as fiber can cause issues for ileostomy patients. Avoid blenders like the NutriBullet that retain fiber.
- Good low-fiber juice ingredients include carrot, beet, apple, kale, spinach, cucumber, radish, cilantro, ginger, and pineapple.
- Be prepared for temporarily thinner, more liquid output after juicing and introduce juices gradually.
3. Vegetable and Fruit Considerations:
- Avoid high-fiber skins, seeds, and citrus membranes, as they can cause blockages.
- Some people with long-term ileostomies tolerate very few vegetables, even when emulsified, so monitor individual responses.
- If serving solid vegetables, make sure they are soft, such as well-steamed broccoli, peas, soft kale/spinach, and mashed or roasted potatoes.
4. Eating Strategy for Weight Management and Liver Health:
- Reduce simple carbs, fried, and fast foods, and control portions by eating half of what is desired.
- Focus on lean proteins like grilled chicken, steak, and fish, which can be diced into salads if raw vegetables are tolerated.
5. Practical Tips:
- Ensure adequate fluid intake, as the absence of a colon increases the risk of dehydration.
- Introduce only one new food every three days to monitor tolerance.
- Bananas can help thicken output, while cabbage or sauerkraut may increase gas but can help with flushing.
- Consider consulting a Registered Dietitian familiar with ostomy care for personalized advice.
6. Product and Appliance Recommendations:
- NutriBullet is generally not recommended due to fiber retention.
- The Breville Juice Fountain is positively reviewed for juicing.
- Recommended protein products include Ratio yogurt, Ensure High Protein, Arbonne pea protein, Vega Sport Protein, Costco high-protein shakes, Great Value high-protein yogurt, and Kodiak waffles.
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