This topic is about a mother who recently had an ileostomy and experienced some challenges after eating a salad. Her daughter is seeking advice on how to manage these issues, which include watery output, gas, and leakage. Here are some helpful insights and advice:

1. It's common to experience watery output and increased gas in the first weeks after ileostomy surgery. It can take some time for things to stabilize.

2. Eating raw salad, especially lettuce, can lead to very watery output and gas. This is normal and not usually a sign of a blockage.
- True signs of a blockage include severe abdominal pain and cramping. Foods like lettuce, tomato, and cucumber rarely cause obstructions.
- Foods that are more likely to cause blockages include sweetcorn, mushrooms, nuts, coconut, and other hard-to-digest, high-fiber foods. Introduce these foods cautiously and chew them thoroughly.

3. Dietary tips:
- Use trial and error to find what works best. Avoid foods that caused digestive issues before surgery.
- Pair roughage like salad with thickening foods such as bread or crackers. Eat smaller portions and chew well.
- Foods that can help thicken output include bananas and starchy items.
- Be aware that gas-producing foods include vegetables, pasta, beans, and cabbage.

4. Managing appliance leakage and skin care:
- Gas build-up can lift the pouching system and cause leaks.
- After removing the appliance, inspect it to understand why it failed, such as wafer erosion or undermining.
- Ensure the wafer opening fits the stoma precisely and keep moisture and effluent off the skin.
- Taping around the faceplate or flange can add security.
- For red or irritated skin around the stoma, use proper skin-prep products before applying a new pouch.

5. Professional support:
- It's important to see a certified WOC (Wound, Ostomy & Continence) nurse as soon as possible, as many home-health RNs may not have specialized ostomy training.
- The hospital or surgeon’s office can help arrange a referral.

6. Choosing the right pouching system:
- The supplies provided at discharge may not be the best long-term solution. Each person’s needs are different.
- Contact ostomy product manufacturers to request free samples and test different barriers, pouches, and accessories.

7. Reassurance:
- Over time, as the right system and skin care routine are found, appliance wear time often improves.
- Frequent leaks are not normal. With the proper fit and products, leaks can become rare.

These tips are designed to help reduce leaks, protect the skin, and guide safe dietary choices during the early recovery period.