When someone has a colostomy, they might notice that their pouch fills up with a lot more stool than they were used to before the surgery. This can be surprising and might make you wonder why it's happening and if it's normal. Here are some insights and advice that might help:

1. Metamucil, which is a type of psyllium fiber, absorbs water and swells up, which can loosen existing stool. This added bulk can increase the amount of output in your ostomy pouch.

2. Any fiber supplement or stimulant laxative, like Ex-Lax, will add both water and mass to your stool. So, it's normal to see a higher volume of output when using these products.

3. Unlike before, when your rectal muscles stored stool until you were ready to go, a stoma allows output to leave your body as it forms. This can make the daily amount seem larger because it's not being held back.

4. If your diet was not very healthy before surgery and you are now eating better, this healthier intake can naturally increase the volume of your stool.

5. Some people suggest trying colostomy irrigation. This method can help you regain predictability and reduce the need to empty or change your pouch during the day. It can offer more freedom and make managing your colostomy feel less burdensome.