This topic is about dealing with rapid weight loss and stoma stricture after living with a short bowel for over a decade. The person sharing their experience has been an ileostomate since 2014 and has had a short gut since 2010. They suddenly began losing weight rapidly without any changes to their diet or lifestyle. Here's a summary of their journey and some helpful advice:

- Despite extensive testing, including endoscopy and colonoscopy, the bowel appeared healthy, with only normal short-gut fat malabsorption and no active Crohn’s disease. However, the tip of the stoma was strictured, requiring daily self-dilation.
- Adjustments to medication and diet, such as adopting a low-fat, no-sugar diet, did not stop the weight loss. As a result, the person reduced their online activity to focus on treatment and scheduled a stoma revision surgery.
- To stabilize weight, they began blending all food into smoothies to prevent blockages, which helped maintain their weight at around 170 pounds, though still 10 pounds below their goal.
- They noticed a strong link between processed sugar and bowel inflammation. Eliminating sugar kept the stoma opening stable, while reintroducing sugar caused it to shrink, increasing dilation pain.
- The stoma revision surgery involved moving the stoma slightly, exteriorizing additional bowel, removing the strictured tip, and repairing an early parastomal hernia. The person chose not to use opioid pain medication post-surgery.
- The surgeon noted that about 60% of ostomates develop similar stomal tip strictures, though the cause is not well understood.

Here are some pieces of advice and insights shared by the community:

1. Many members offered moral support and encouraged staying optimistic while seeking answers.
2. Dietary advice includes strictly limiting or eliminating processed sugar and high-fructose corn syrup, as they can irritate the bowel and cause inflammation.
3. It's recommended to prefer whole foods and healthy fats, avoiding low-fat or no-fat products that often substitute sugar for flavor.
4. Always read food labels and try to eat foods that are recognizable and simple.
5. When going to the hospital, bring your own toiletries, as some facilities may have shortages.
6. Be aware that approximately 60% of ostomates might experience stomal-tip strictures. Early recognition and surgical revision, if necessary, can help restore function.