This topic is about managing the need for loperamide, commonly known as Imodium, after having ileostomy surgery. The person who started the discussion is taking 8 tablets a day, which is 16 mg in total, to help thicken their stoma output. They are curious if this is something they will need to continue indefinitely or if they might be able to reduce or stop taking it over time. They are seeking advice and experiences from others who have been in similar situations.

Here are some helpful insights and advice shared by others:

1. Consider incorporating thickening foods into your diet, such as mashed potatoes, bread or bagels, smooth peanut butter, applesauce, bananas, cheese, scrambled eggs or omelets, and even marshmallows.

2. Adding psyllium husk to your diet, perhaps in smoothies, can help increase the thickness of your output.

3. You might try a trial-and-error approach. When you are safe at home, consider gradually lowering your loperamide dose or skipping it for a day to observe how your output changes. Keep in mind that individual responses can vary greatly.

4. The length of your remaining small bowel can affect your needs. Those with significant resections might experience looser output and have different medication requirements.

5. Some people adopt a flexible strategy, using loperamide only when they are away from home and relying on dietary adjustments when they are at home.

6. There are examples of long-term high-dose use. For instance, one person, 1.5 years after surgery, still takes 4 tablets four times a day, along with morphine and monthly Octreotide injections, in addition to diet and fiber. This shows that some individuals may require ongoing medication.