This topic is about finding ways to manage watery ileostomy output and heal sore skin around the stoma, especially when trying to lose weight before a bowel-reversal operation. The person is following a diet plan that has led to more frequent and watery output, causing leaks and skin irritation. They are looking for advice on diet-friendly ways to thicken the output and effective skin-care products to help with the irritation.

Here are some helpful tips and insights:

1. Allow your skin to breathe by removing the wafer and pouch for an hour or two each day. Cover the stoma with a towel to catch any output. Change the appliance as soon as you feel itching or leakage, even if it means doing so 2-3 times a day.

2. Use stoma powder, either generic or anti-fungal, to calm irritation and help wafers stick better. Lightly dust it on sore spots and brush off any excess.

3. Consider protective barrier products:
- Cavilon No-Sting Barrier Film spray creates a soothing, breathable layer over raw skin.
- Use barrier wipes followed by a thin layer of Betadine ointment, allowing it to dry before applying the wafer.
- Apply Stomahesive paste or powder under the wafer and warm the wafer with your hand for better adhesion.
- For persistent sores, use Aquacel dressing plus Duoderm hydrocolloid before applying the wafer.

4. For difficult fistulas or widespread inflammation, change dressings and wafers every 1-2 days until the skin improves. Be gentle when removing them to avoid further irritation, and carefully shave any peri-stomal hair to help with adhesion.

5. To thicken output without adding many calories:
- Use "Thick-It" commercial thickening powder in drinks or orally.
- Ask your NHS stoma nurse or prescriber for prescription thickeners.
- Shakeology meal-replacement shakes have been reported to decrease watery output while providing nutrition.

6. Focus on calorie-controlled eating rather than high-fiber plans. Choose low-residue, easily digested foods in smaller portions and increase walking or exercise for gradual weight loss. Keep a food/output diary to identify any troublesome foods.

7. Foods that many ileostomates find helpful in thickening output include white bread, plain crackers, pasta, rice, potatoes, bananas, and marshmallows. Be cautious with large amounts of raw fruits, vegetables, bran, and other high-fiber items, as they can increase liquidity or risk blockage.

8. Some products mentioned for managing output and skin care include:
- Trio Diamond sachets for super-absorbent gel.
- Eakin Cohesive Seal.
- Cavilon spray.
- Aquacel and Duoderm.
- Stomahesive.
- Thick-It powder.
- Betadine ointment.
- Shakeology meal-replacement shakes.

These tips aim to help manage output and protect the skin, making it easier to maintain a reliable pouch adhesion until surgery.