This topic is about the digestion of different types of lettuce for people with an ileostomy. An individual who can eat iceberg lettuce without issues but finds it lacking in nutrition is curious if butter lettuce, also known as Boston or Bib lettuce, is just as easy to digest or if it might cause blockages. They are looking for nutritious leafy greens that won't lead to obstructions, as they have trouble with spinach, which doesn't digest well for them.

Here are some insights and advice shared by others:

1. Iceberg lettuce is often harder to digest and not very nutritious. Softer greens like butter lettuce, romaine, and spinach are generally more suitable for those with an ileostomy, though personal tolerance can vary.

2. Undigested lettuce pieces and watery output are common. Eating smaller portions instead of a full bowl can help reduce the risk of blockages. It's also suggested to limit other tough raw foods like green peppers, cabbage, and mushrooms.

3. A surgeon's advice shared by a member is to enjoy salads in moderation. Mixing different lettuces with onion, cucumber, and tomato can be a good way to enjoy salads without overdoing it.

4. For those dealing with chronic liquid output, adding a daily dose of Psyllium Fiber Sugar-Free Powder to a smoothie has helped some people achieve thicker output. Benefiber was less effective for some individuals.

5. Another strategy for thickening output is using Imodium (loperamide) along with higher-carb meals. Some people take 4–6 Imodium tablets daily under medical supervision to occasionally achieve more solid output.

6. In cases of severe malabsorption, IV fluids and electrolyte infusions might be necessary to maintain balance.

7. Patience is important. One long-term ostomate mentioned that it took nearly three years for their digestive system to stabilize. Gradually experimenting with different vegetables can help identify which ones are safe to eat over time.