This topic is about using a Nutribullet-type blender safely for someone with an ileostomy, which is a surgical opening created to help with waste removal after rectal-cancer surgery. The person is concerned about the risk of intestinal blockages and wants to know which fruits and vegetables are safe to consume in smoothie form, as they cannot tolerate them in their regular state.
Here are some helpful insights and advice:
1. Many people with long-term ileostomies have successfully used high-speed blenders like NutriBullet, Ninja, and Cuisinart Soup Maker Blender for making smoothies and soups. Blending or emulsifying food is similar to thorough chewing, making it generally easier to digest.
2. Be cautious with certain seeds and skins:
- Blackberry and raspberry seeds can still cause issues, so it's best to strain them out.
- Corn kernels might pass through whole and are harder to break down, so keep an eye on your output.
3. Try a gradual reintroduction strategy:
- Begin with soft, bland foods and introduce new fruits and vegetables one at a time, in small amounts, mixed with other foods. Chew well when eating non-blended items.
- The first one to two years after surgery may require more caution, but confidence usually grows over time.
4. Foods that some members can now eat (blended or occasionally whole) without issues include popcorn, grapes (cooked or raw), strawberries, tomatoes, cooked peppers, celery, onions, cauliflower, broccoli, most raw vegetables, yogurt, cottage cheese, eggs, V-8, and other fruit/vegetable juices.
5. General tips:
- If food is not blended, remember to "chew, chew, chew."
- Stay hydrated and pay attention to your body's signals; introduce potentially problematic foods slowly.
- After the initial healing period, an ostomy can often adapt to a normal diet.
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