The topic at hand is about using agar, a seaweed-based thickening agent, to potentially slow down and thicken ostomy output. The person who started the discussion is curious if anyone has tried this method and is seeking personal experiences.

Here are some additional details and advice shared in the discussion:

- Agar is known to be mineral-rich and hydrating, and it has been traditionally used as a thickener. The originator has previously used it in smoothies at a health spa.
- Agar is available in capsule form, and the originator is considering consulting with an Eastern-medicine practitioner to explore its use for ostomy management.

Advice and insights from the discussion include:

1. No one in the discussion has tried agar for this purpose, but there is interest in where to purchase it and whether it is more effective or cost-efficient than Metamucil.

2. Common food-based thickeners that are often recommended include:
- Ripe or unripe bananas
- Applesauce
- Crackers
- Pasta
- Boiled rice
- Toast
- White or wheat bread
- Boiled potatoes
- Yogurt
- Boiled milk
- Creamy peanut butter
- Cheese
- Chocolate
- Weak tea
- Marshmallows
- Jellybeans
- Tapioca

3. A fiber supplement option is to blend 2 teaspoons of sugar-free psyllium powder, such as Metamucil, into a morning smoothie. This is recommended by a surgeon for those with an ileostomy and is reported to slow output and give it a gel-like consistency.

4. For pouch management:
- Coating the inside of the pouch with a little baby oil in the morning can help thickened stool slide out more easily.
- If thicker output causes wafer "blowouts," try cutting the wafer opening slightly larger and maintain some fluid intake overnight. This adjustment has helped resolve nighttime leaks for some individuals with an ileostomy.