This topic is about expanding a severely restricted diet after undergoing loop colostomy surgery. The person in question had emergency surgery due to a non-operable colon tumor and now has a loop colostomy. After a long hospital stay and ongoing chemotherapy, they were discharged with a very limited diet. They are seeking advice on what they can eat beyond the few foods they have been consuming.

Here are some helpful insights and advice:

1. Verify the reason for the extreme dietary restrictions.
- It's important to ask your surgeon or an ostomy nurse if the dietary limits are due to the colostomy itself or another medical issue. If not, the restrictions might not be necessary.
- If salt intake was emphasized due to an ileostomy, confirm whether your stoma is colonic or ileal.

2. Reintroduce foods slowly, one at a time.
- Start with small portions and if tolerated, gradually increase the amount.
- Keep a food diary to track any symptoms related to specific foods.

3. Chew thoroughly and stay well-hydrated.
- Chew food until it is mushy and follow with plenty of water or fluids to prevent blockages.

4. Use kitchen tools to make foods easier to handle.
- Use a high-power blender, immersion blender, or food processor to liquefy meals into soups or smoothies.
- An air-fryer can make some foods more appealing.

5. Foods that some people with a colostomy or ileostomy tolerate well:
- Proteins: chicken, turkey, pork, hamburgers, tender steak, fish, overcooked meats and fish.
- Vegetables: well-cooked or puréed carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, green beans, beets, canned pumpkin, vegetable soups, and stews.
- Fruit: canned peaches and pears, bananas, fruit cups, smoothies with blueberries or other soft fruits.
- Grains and starches: white bread, plain crackers, Rice Krispies cereal, small amounts of white rice.
- Dairy substitutes and add-ins: lactose-free milk or protein powder in smoothies.
- Flavorings: curry powder, garlic powder, and limited spices if gas is an issue.

6. Suggested nutrient-dense blender ideas:
- Smoothies: combine banana, blueberries, nut butter, protein powder, and milk (lactose-free if needed); gradually add spinach or other greens.
- Puréed "Orange Soup": roast butternut squash, sweet potato, and baby carrots; blend with stock and pumpkin purée; season to taste.

7. Foods commonly avoided by some ostomates:
- Nuts, seeds, popcorn, mushrooms, corn, raw leafy greens, tough raw vegetables, fruit and vegetable skins, whole-grain breads, beans, peas, and gummy or chewy candy.

8. Practical resources:
- Use recipe and meal-planning sites like Yummly.com for soft, low-fiber, or puréed dishes.

9. General consensus:
- Most people with a colostomy or ileostomy can eventually eat a near-normal diet once healed, as long as they chew well, stay hydrated, and introduce new foods carefully.
- If professional guidance is lacking, seek advice from an experienced ostomy nurse or dietitian.