The topic at hand is about whether people with ostomies can enjoy a full bowl of beans, as seen in an ostomy-supply advertisement. The discussion revolves around the experiences and advice from those who have ostomies, considering the potential issues beans might cause, such as blockages, excessive output, or gas. Here are some insights and advice shared by the community:
1. **Wide Variation in Tolerance**
- Some people with ileostomies and colostomies can eat various types of beans, like baked beans, chickpeas, black beans, and more, without much trouble.
- Others choose to avoid large portions or certain types of beans due to past experiences with blockages or excessive gas.
2. **Portion Size & Frequency**
- Many find they can handle a small side dish or half-cup of beans but avoid the large bowl shown in the advertisement.
- Mixing beans with other foods, such as corn or onions, or incorporating them into salads or burritos, helps manage portion sizes.
3. **Chewing & Preparation**
- Thorough chewing is emphasized as a key precaution.
- Rinsing canned beans, cooking them until soft, or using them in salads or soups can make them easier to digest.
4. **Gas Control Aids**
- Products like Beano are mentioned for reducing gas caused by beans.
- Some people accept the extra gas, while others find it uncomfortable and limit their bean intake.
5. **Fiber & Nutrition Perspective**
- Beans are valued for their plant protein, antioxidants, and fiber, which are beneficial even for those with ostomies.
- The advertisement might be promoting a meat-free diet to reduce colorectal cancer risk, though it's noted that diet alone doesn't guarantee prevention.
6. **Device-Type Differences**
- Colostomates generally have a lower risk of blockages compared to ileostomates, highlighting the importance of individual experimentation.
7. **Trial-and-Error Philosophy**
- Personal testing, starting with small amounts and introducing one new food at a time, is recommended to see what works best.
- Keeping a personal "food pyramid" and observing how the stoma reacts to different foods is encouraged.
8. **Mentioned Brands & Products**
- Campbell’s Bean & Ham Soup and Beano enzyme tablets are mentioned.
- Hollister ostomy appliances are humorously referenced in a sample request.
These insights reflect the diverse experiences of people with ostomies and highlight the importance of personal experimentation and moderation when it comes to enjoying beans.
See full discusison