The topic at hand is about unexpected weight gain after ostomy surgery and the challenges of losing that weight. The person who started the discussion is puzzled about how they gained 50 pounds in just three months after their surgery, which involved the removal of their rectum and a portion of their colon. They started at 200 pounds and reached 250 pounds upon returning to work. Even after three years, they are struggling to lose the extra weight.

Here are some helpful insights and advice shared by others:

- It's common for people with ostomies to lose weight when they are ill and then gain it back quickly once their body starts absorbing nutrients better. The body might hold onto calories after a period of not getting enough nutrition.

- To balance nutrition:
- Try reducing carbohydrates, especially refined or whole-grain ones, and increase your intake of protein (like meat, eggs, nuts, yogurt) and healthy fats.
- If high-fiber foods cause issues like diarrhea or blockages, stick to low-residue or "white foods," but be mindful of portions and gradually reintroduce well-cooked or processed vegetables.
- Eating 5 to 6 small meals with some protein each time can help stabilize blood sugar and metabolism.

- Keep track of portions and calories by weighing and measuring your food. Use free tools like MyFitnessPal to log your daily intake. Some people have found success by keeping their daily calories between 1,200 and 1,500.

- For exercise and activity:
- Start with low-impact cardio like 30-minute walks, swimming, cycling for 15 minutes a day, or walking more at work.
- Use fitness trackers to monitor your steps and calories and set goals.
- For core exercises, keep them gentle to reduce the risk of hernias, especially after multiple surgeries. Start slowly and build up over time.

- It's important to have medical checks to evaluate thyroid function, liver status, diabetes, and any medication side effects, as some medications like steroids can lead to weight gain.

- Some medications and supplements mentioned include Remicade infusions for Crohn’s, Ensure high-calorie drinks for those who need to gain weight, and Skinny Fiber, though there is no user feedback yet. Always consult a doctor before trying new supplements due to changes in gut length.

- Practical results shared by others include:
- One person lost 14 pounds in a month by reducing portions of low-residue foods and walking for up to an hour daily.
- Another person lost 4 pounds in three weeks by consuming 1,200 to 1,500 calories a day, cycling for 15 minutes, and adding pool exercises in hot weather.

- Mindset tips include monitoring stress and depression, which can limit activity. Focus on consistency for long-term results rather than quick fixes. Remember, weight change might be slow, but it can be sustainable.

- For those who struggle to gain weight after an ileostomy, try increasing calorie density with protein, frequent snacks, and calorie-rich drinks like Ensure, while keeping an eye on output.