This topic is about someone who had a colostomy surgery four months ago and is trying to reintroduce tomatoes and peppers into their diet. They used to be vegetarian but now eat meat for protein. They miss tomatoes and peppers but are cautious because the skins can cause blockages. Although their surgeon has given them the green light to eat whatever they like, they are still hesitant and are seeking advice from others who have been in a similar situation. Here are some helpful insights and advice shared by others:

- General reassurance:
- Many people with colostomies and even some with ileostomies have successfully eaten all kinds of fruits and vegetables, including the skins, as long as they chew their food well.
- Doctors often advise patients to return to their pre-surgery diet, and most people manage to do so without issues.

- Introduce new foods slowly:
- Try adding one new food at a time, starting with small portions. Only increase the amount if it is well-tolerated.
- Everyone is different, so what works for one person might not work for another. Patience and moderation are important.

- Chewing and mechanical preparation:
- The most common advice is to chew thoroughly and eat slowly.
- Cutting tomatoes, peppers, and other vegetables into small pieces can help make the skins less of an issue.
- Some people prefer to peel tough skins by dipping tomatoes in boiling water or blistering peppers over a flame.
- Blending or puréeing foods, like making homemade ketchup or tomato passata, can also help by breaking down skins and seeds.

- Cooking and texture adjustments:
- Cooking can soften the fiber in foods, making them easier to digest for those who have trouble with raw produce.
- Tomato passata is a popular choice for a skin-free sauce base, and you can add other ingredients like onions, garlic, and herbs for flavor.
- Making and freezing large batches of sauce can be a convenient and safe option.

- Hydration with meals:
- Drinking plenty of fluids with fibrous foods can help them pass more easily, though some people find that drinking during meals increases gas. It's important to listen to your body.

- Foods that can still be troublesome for some individuals:
- Some people experience blockages or severe gas from foods like leafy greens, lentils, bran, seeds, nuts, popcorn, coconut, corn on the cob, mushrooms, raw apples, raw carrots, broccoli, cabbage, and others.

- Medications and medical considerations:
- Lactulose, a liquid stool softener, is sometimes prescribed to help with sluggish digestion.
- Gravol, an anti-nausea medication, is used in emergencies when an obstruction is suspected.
- Scar tissue and adhesions can narrow the passage, making even small amounts of fiber problematic for some, leading them to adopt a more meat-heavy diet.

- Mindset and progress:
- Confidence grows with each successful attempt at reintroducing foods. Many people find that within a year, they can eat almost everything they did before surgery.
- A common suggestion is to start by peeling and blistering peppers, then trying a small portion to see how it goes.