Topic Explanation
The discussion revolves around why skipping meals causes increased gas production in an ostomy, referred to as "Marvin." The original poster, Lee, is curious about the physiological reasons behind this phenomenon.

Advice and Insights
1. General Observations:
- It is common for ileostomates to experience gas buildup when skipping meals.
- An empty stomach can lead to hunger pains and growling, which are signs of gas buildup.

2. Possible Causes:
- Swallowed Air: Gas can be produced from air that is swallowed, even if no food is consumed.
- Fermenting Bacteria: Even with an empty stomach, bacteria in the gut continue to ferment undigested substances, producing gas. This includes:
- Artificial sugars
- Natural sugars (e.g., prunes)
- Fibers (e.g., cabbage, broccoli)

3. Additional Insights:
- The colon, when present, can hold gas until it is convenient to release it, which is not possible for those without a colon.
- Carbonated beverages are known to cause gas and should be avoided to reduce gas production.

4. Suggestions:
- Consider using products like Gas-X to manage gas production.