The topic at hand is about the experiences people have with weight gain and loss after undergoing ileostomy surgery, which is a procedure where a stoma is created to allow waste to exit the body. This can be a significant change, and many people are curious about how it affects body weight. Here are some shared experiences and tips from those who have been through it:

- It's common to experience a significant initial weight loss after surgery. Many people reported losing between 20 to 40 pounds (or up to 3 stone/19 kg) during their hospital stay and early recovery. This is often due to the removal of the colon and a reduced appetite.

- Most individuals gradually regained the lost weight over a period ranging from a few months to a year, as their eating habits returned to normal.

- Some strategies that helped with regaining weight include:
1. Following a healthy diet while occasionally indulging in high-calorie treats like gummy bears.
2. Consuming meals that are around 1,000 calories during the initial months post-surgery.
3. Eating small, frequent meals and learning which foods are well-tolerated by the stoma.

- For ongoing weight maintenance:
1. Many people now eat regular portions, such as half a sandwich for lunch, to keep their weight stable.
2. Regular exercise, whether daily or weekly, is highlighted as important for overall health and weight management.

- Be aware that some medications can lead to weight gain. For instance, one person gained 10 pounds in three months after starting a medication that increased their appetite.

- Individual experiences vary greatly. Some people find that their weight changes follow the same patterns as before surgery, influenced more by diet and exercise than the ostomy itself.

- Monitoring weight can be helpful. One person checks their weight every morning after emptying their stoma to catch any trends early, while another finds that weekly checks are sufficient.