Topic Explanation
The discussion centers around finding ways to boost appetite after an ileostomy. The original poster has been living with an ileostomy for six months and is experiencing a lack of appetite, leading to weight loss. They are seeking advice on how to stimulate their appetite to maintain a healthy weight.

Advice and Insights

- Small, Frequent Meals:
- Eat small meals more often rather than three large meals. This approach can help manage nutrition intake and is easier to handle with a reduced appetite.

- Calorie-Dense Foods and Drinks:
- Incorporate smoothies with yogurt and peanut butter.
- Drink calories through soups, protein shakes, and yogurt, focusing on extra protein.

- Physical Activity:
- Engage in physical activity and get fresh air, as it may help increase hunger.

- Cannabis:
- Consider using cannabis, such as edibles or vapes, to stimulate appetite, if legal and appropriate.

- Dietary Adjustments:
- Avoid relying solely on carbohydrates; include a variety of foods.
- Snack on digestion-friendly fruits like mangos or apples with peanut butter.
- Use zero-carb tortillas with deli meat and cheese for snacks.

- Nutritional Supplements:
- Use nutritional supplements like Ensure or Orgain protein powders to increase calorie and protein intake.
- Ensure offers a powder with 8g total fat, 33g total carbs, and 8g protein per serving.
- Orgain offers protein powders with 4.5g total fat, 15g total carbs, and 21g protein per serving.

- Professional Guidance:
- Consult with a dietician for personalized dietary advice, although experiences with dieticians may vary.

- Prescription Options:
- Some have used prescription liquids like Magenese to stimulate appetite, though side effects may occur.

- Forcing Small Bites:
- Sometimes, it may be necessary to force oneself to eat small bites to maintain weight.

- Product Availability:
- Ensure and Orgain products are available at stores like Target, Walgreens, Kroger, and online platforms like Amazon and Costco.