This topic is all about finding ways to slow down intestinal transit and achieve firmer stools for those with an ostomy. It covers both dietary approaches and medications that might help. Here are some helpful tips and insights shared by others:

- Common foods that can help thicken output include bananas, applesauce, peanut butter, oatmeal, nuts, plain boiled or mashed potatoes, rice, roasted or steamed vegetables, roasted plantains and sweet potatoes, canned pumpkin pie mix, chewy granola bars, salty snacks, and gluten-free rice-based foods. Some people also find marshmallows helpful, eating a few about 30 minutes before a pouch change. One person mentioned eating Jello at night.

- When it comes to beverages, drinking plain water in larger amounts can sometimes slow things down for some people. Coffee, on the other hand, often speeds up output, so one person limits it to one cup or drinks it right before a bag change to help clear the way. Keeping all food within an 8–12 hour window can provide more predictable emptying for some.

- For medications, Imodium (loperamide) taken with each meal or 3–4 days per week helps keep output manageable for several people. Lomotil and codeine are also mentioned, but one person prefers to save them for emergencies. Imodium didn't help one person with an ileostomy, but marshmallows or pumpkin worked better for them.

- If output becomes too thick, it might help to reduce high-fiber "healthy" foods and temporarily eat high-gluten items like bread, pasta, pastries, or sweets. Increasing plain water intake can also help prevent pancaking and leaks.

- It's important to remember that results can vary between ileostomies and colostomies, so it's helpful to identify your stoma type. Tracking personal responses is key, as what slows one person may speed up another.

- For those using TPN, there might be a 12-hour delay for solid foods while liquids pass quickly.

- A few cautions to keep in mind: Excessive marshmallow sugar may be unhealthy in the long term, and there's a report of a blockage when trying marshmallows, so it's important to monitor for that. Introducing any new food or medication gradually and observing the effects is always a good idea.