This topic is about managing a low-fiber or low-residue diet after undergoing a Hartmann’s colostomy and dealing with a small-bowel obstruction caused by adhesions. The person sharing their experience had a ruptured sigmoid colon due to diverticulitis, which led to emergency surgery and a colostomy. After trying to reintroduce fibrous foods, they experienced severe abdominal pain and another surgery was needed. They are now planning to stick to a low-fiber diet until they can consult about reversing the ostomy and are seeking advice on how to avoid future blockages.

Here are some helpful insights and advice:

1. General principles:
- People with a colostomy may experience constipation, while those with an ileostomy might have faster output and more food blockages.
- Following a low-residue diet for a few months is generally safe, but it's important to discuss any long-term dietary changes with a healthcare professional.
- Don't assume fiber alone caused the obstruction; wait for a medical review to understand the cause.
- Each abdominal surgery increases the risk of adhesions and future obstructions.

2. How to introduce or test foods:
- Introduce one new food at a time in small portions. If tolerated, gradually increase the amount.
- Chew food thoroughly and choose options that are well-cooked, soft, puréed, or peeled.
- Keep a food and output diary to identify any patterns or issues early on.

3. Commonly tolerated low-fiber options:
- White pasta, plain cheese pizza, cream-based soups, and white bread sandwiches with meat and cheese.
- Crackers with hummus, cream of wheat, and low-fiber cereals like Honey Nut Cheerios.
- Soft fruits without skins or seeds, such as applesauce, peeled mango, canned fruit cups, and ripe avocados in moderation.
- Nut butters like peanut or almond in moderate amounts.

4. Foods that frequently caused trouble:
- Raw vegetables, leafy salads, lettuce, and tomato skins.
- Peas, corn, mushrooms, beans, shrimp, rice mixed with fibrous vegetables, high-oat or nut cereals, and berries with skins or seeds.
- Overly fibrous breads or granolas like muesli.

5. Practical tips to prevent blockages:
- Chew food thoroughly to aid digestion.
- Stay well-hydrated, as low-residue diets can lead to constipation, which is a blockage risk.
- Monitor for undigested food in the pouch and avoid foods that appear intact.
- Understand that individual tolerance varies, so eat what you know you can handle and adjust as needed.

6. Full or partial liquid nutrition when solids fail:
- Nutritionally complete drinks like Fortisip can be used by those who cannot tolerate solids due to extensive adhesions and bowel issues.

These shared experiences highlight the importance of personalized testing, careful observation, gradual reintroduction of fiber, and ongoing communication with healthcare providers.