This topic is about managing the output from an ostomy, particularly focusing on how the timing of meals can affect it. For those with an ileostomy, like the person who started this discussion, sticking to a regular meal schedule seems to help keep the output predictable. However, if meals are skipped or delayed, it can lead to a sudden increase in output, which can be challenging to manage. Here are some insights and advice shared by others:

1. Routine matters: Many people with colostomies and ileostomies find that eating meals later than usual or having larger meals can lead to unpredictable and often higher output. It might take a day or two for things to settle back to normal.

2. Beverage triggers: Warm or sugary drinks, such as hot chocolate, coffee, and orange juice, often cause rapid and liquid output. Interestingly, some find that alcoholic drinks have the opposite effect, slowing down and thickening the output. There's an old tip suggesting that hot liquids might bypass the colon and go straight to the pouch, while cold liquids move more slowly.

3. Track everything: Keeping a detailed journal of food, drinks, and medications, including the temperature of beverages, can help identify personal triggers. For example, one person found that Neo Citran Lemon Cold & Flu drink significantly increased their output.

4. Medication strategies: Many people with high-flow ileostomies use Imodium to help manage their output. One common regimen is taking 2 mg tablets four times a day. Some are also prescribed additional medications to help slow things down when dehydration becomes a concern.

5. Equipment choices: Using high-volume or "drainable" pouches can be helpful during times of increased output. Hollister high-capacity pouches are mentioned as a good option for handling surges without needing to empty immediately.

6. Practical monitoring: While many long-term ostomates stop measuring exact volumes and rely on the weight or feel of the pouch, measuring can be useful when medication dosing depends on output or when doctors need specific data.

7. Hydration and diet balance: It's important to maintain a steady fluid intake, using room-temperature water or isotonic drinks, to prevent dehydration when output is high. Limiting caffeine to one coffee per day and sipping fluids slowly can help reduce spikes in output.

These insights can be helpful for anyone managing an ostomy, especially when dealing with changes in routine or diet.