This topic is about whether cooked bean sprouts and water chestnuts are safe to eat for someone with an ileostomy. The person asking has had an ileostomy for four years and is curious about how others tolerate these foods, especially after having their stoma revised to create a larger opening. Here are some helpful tips and insights shared by others:

1. Everyone's tolerance to foods can be different. The best way to find out if you can handle these foods is to try them yourself. Start with a small amount, introduce one food at a time, stay hydrated, and keep an eye on your output.

2. Chewing is very important:
- Take small bites and chew until the food is very soft before swallowing.
- Sip water between bites to help with swallowing and digestion.
- If you can't chew something well, it's better to spit it out than to swallow large pieces.

3. Bean sprouts:
- They are usually better tolerated when they are fresh, bright white, crisp, well-washed, de-hulled, and quickly stir-fried or sautéed.
- Some people with an ileostomy eat them without any issues, while others avoid them because the fibrous strands might cause blockages. It's best to be cautious.

4. Water chestnuts:
- Generally considered safe if thoroughly chewed.
- Use fresh or canned water chestnuts that are pure white. Slice or quarter them and cook them by stir-frying, baking, or adding them to mixed dishes.
- Make sure to chew them very well to avoid any problems.

5. For other fibrous vegetables like broccoli and carrots, steaming them until they are very soft can make them easier to digest.

6. Your surgical history, any scar tissue, or hernias can affect your risk of blockages, so your experience with these foods might be different from others.

7. One person mentioned having a positive experience with the surgeons at Mayo Clinic, appreciating their expertise.