This topic is about someone who is having trouble thickening their stoma output, even after taking Imodium (loperamide). They find that only porridge and bananas help, but they don't want to rely on these foods long-term. They're looking for other food or product suggestions to help achieve firmer output.

Here are some helpful suggestions and insights:

1. Foods that might help thicken output:
- Mashed potatoes and plain breads or dinner rolls.
- Peanut butter or almond butter.
- Applesauce.
- Chilli with fewer kidney beans.
- Mango smoothie made with 1 cup of mango, ½ cup of yogurt, 1 banana, and milk to your preferred thickness.
- Gelatine cubes from packet jelly, eaten without making up the jelly.

2. Drinks and stimulants:
- Coffee can sometimes loosen output, so reducing or eliminating it might help, although this can vary from person to person.

3. Fiber supplements:
- Psyllium husk powder, which is the same active ingredient as Metamucil but without sugar or flavoring, can be mixed in water or sprinkled on food to help bulk and gel output. It's inexpensive and easy to try.

4. Medication strategies:
- Some people manage their output with higher doses of loperamide combined with codeine, as prescribed by a doctor, especially if they've experienced dehydration or malnutrition. This suggests that stronger or combined medications can be effective when diet changes aren't enough.
- Keeping a detailed log of food intake and output over several months can help identify personal triggers and effective food combinations.

5. Perspective on consistency:
- Some people with ostomies prefer runnier output because it can be easier to empty and less messy. The important thing is whether loose output is causing practical issues like leakage, frequent emptying, or dehydration that need addressing.