This topic is about finding ways to thicken very watery output from an ileostomy without using commercial gelling beads. The person in question has an ileostomy with extremely watery output and cannot tolerate solid food due to severe pain, short bowel, and rapid gastric emptying. They are looking for alternatives to manage the output directly in the pouch to reduce noise and frequency of emptying. Here are some suggestions and insights:

1. Consider experimenting with unflavored gelatin. Mix it with warm water in a separate container first to ensure it dissolves properly and won't block the pouch outlet.

2. Soluble-fiber drinks like Metamucil (psyllium husk) might be helpful if taken orally, as many people find it turns liquid output into a thicker consistency.

3. If solid food becomes tolerable, some options that might help thicken stool include squash or squash soup, canned pumpkin, bananas, peanut butter, rice, potatoes, and applesauce.

4. Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications like Imodium or loperamide are often effective for others with an ileostomy.

5. Using a urostomy pouch could be beneficial for managing very liquid output. A Coloplast model that attaches to the SenSura Mio baseplate has internal chambers to flatten the bag and reduce sloshing. However, it has no integrated filter, so the bag must be "burped" to release gas.

6. You might want to try commercial thickeners directly in the pouch, such as Precise Sachets thickening powder.

7. For those who can consume liquids orally, a nutrient-dense smoothie might be an option. Blend ½ cup milk, one small yogurt, frozen fruit or ½ banana, and 1 scoop of "HULK – Clean Mass Gainer" high-carb powder. Avoid protein powders as they can be harder to absorb and may worsen watery output.