This topic is about managing weight gain, thick output, and high-calorie foods for someone with an ileostomy. An ileostomate has noticed that eating foods rich in sugar and starch can lead to weight gain and a thicker output, while loose, watery output makes them feel unwell. They find raw salads and many vegetables hard to manage, so they rely on high-calorie foods to feel better but are concerned about gaining weight. Here are some helpful suggestions and insights:

1. Consult professionals first:
- It's important to see an ostomy nurse or physician to rule out issues like dehydration or malabsorption and to get personalized diet advice.

2. Hydration and salt balance:
- Loose output can lead to dehydration, so it's crucial to increase fluid and sodium intake to make up for the colon's lost re-absorption function.
- Craving salt is common and normal after a colectomy.

3. Methods to thicken output:
- Try foods like ripe bananas, sliced apples or pears, canned fruits packed in water, peanut butter, yogurt, rice, pasta, bread, and homemade granola.
- Consider using commercial products like Ileo Gel sachets to thicken output.

4. Food-testing strategy:
- Keep a food diary and try new or suspect foods three times before deciding if they cause issues, as blockages might be positional rather than dietary.
- Introduce higher-fiber foods earlier in the day to avoid overnight issues.

5. Weight-management pointers:
- Be mindful of portion sizes for "white" carbs like rice and pasta, which are calorie-dense.
- When possible, replace them with whole-meal bread or whole-wheat pasta and increase lean protein intake.
- Drink a full glass of water before meals to help prevent overeating.
- Substitute fruit or a banana for sweets or chips to satisfy cravings.

6. Exercise and activity:
- Regular walking or using home devices like the Nintendo Wii™ can help maintain energy levels and appliance fit as your body shape changes.

7. Blockage prevention tips:
- Chew food thoroughly and avoid nuts, seeds, granary breads, and large quantities of raw salad if they cause blockages.
- Some people can tolerate small salads, while others may experience blockages that require medical attention.

8. Possible reasons for stronger sweet cravings:
- Many people report an increased appetite and a "sweet tooth" after an ileostomy, possibly due to changes in digestion and faster transit, leading the body to seek quick energy sources.