This topic is about managing a high-output ileostomy, which can lead to dehydration and nutrient loss. The person dealing with this situation is looking for ways to slow down or thicken the output from their ileostomy. Here are some practical tips and insights that might help:

1. Consider Medication
- Loperamide (Imodium) is often used to slow down output. A common dosage is 2 mg taken twice daily.
- To save on costs, you might want to ask for a prescription or look for generic versions. For example, Costco offers store-brand tablets for about $1 for 24 tablets, while Walmart's Equate brand is also affordable. Safeway sells 24 generic tablets for $5, compared to $20 for the branded version.

2. Adjust Your Diet
- Eating starchy and binding foods like pasta, crumpets, bread, rice, and potatoes can help thicken the output.
- It's important to maintain a balanced fluid intake, such as 1 liter of an electrolyte solution and 1 liter of other fluids each day.

3. Use Soluble Fiber
- Psyllium powder, found in products like Metamucil or Costco's house brand, can thicken the output and help retain sodium and water.
- Typically, 1–2 teaspoons can be mixed into smoothies, coffee, or almond milk. The flavored version from Costco is tasty in fruit or chocolate/vanilla almond-milk smoothies, while unflavored options might need to be sourced elsewhere.
- Be cautious of potential drug interactions if you're taking other medications.

4. Tailor Your Eating and Drinking Habits
- The volume of output can depend on factors like the length of your remaining bowel, liver and gallbladder status, and the timing of your food and fluid intake. You might need to adjust meal spacing, chew food thoroughly, and separate drinking from meals if necessary.

5. Protect Your Skin
- Marathon skin protectant is mentioned for managing leaks and skin damage related to a stoma fistula. However, once opened, the product tends to harden quickly, and no method for extending the life of an opened vial is known.

6. Keep an Eye on Your Health
- While monitoring hydration through urine color and frequency is important, also keep track of your body weight, energy levels, and electrolyte levels through lab tests.
- Be prepared for daily variations in output and be ready to adjust your food, fluid, and medication as needed.