This topic is about someone who recently had ileostomy surgery and is struggling with significant weight loss and watery output. They are looking for ways to gain weight and thicken their output in preparation for a planned reversal surgery. Here are some helpful suggestions and insights shared by others who have been through similar experiences:

- It's common for weight gain to take time after surgery. Many people find it takes about three months before they start to see an increase.

- Consider high-calorie and high-carb foods that can also help thicken your output:
1. Full-fat ice cream blended into milkshakes or protein shakes.
2. Pasta with creamy sauces like Alfredo, carbonara, or mac & cheese.
3. Potatoes in any form, such as loaded mashed potatoes, fries, or chips.
4. Cream cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, and other cheeses.
5. Peanut butter, which can be added to shakes or spread on toast.
6. Carnation Instant Breakfast, whey protein powder, and Liberte Yogurt “Mediterranée” for extra calories and protein.

- Eat small, frequent meals whenever you feel hungry, even if it's late at night.

- To help thicken your output, try foods like applesauce, bananas, oatmeal, marshmallows, peanut butter, Metamucil tablets, and white bread or rice.

- If your output remains too fast or thin, consult your surgeon or stoma nurse about medications like Loperamide HCl, which can help slow it down.

- Stay hydrated by sipping fluids continuously rather than drinking large amounts at once. This can help prevent them from passing through too quickly. Include drinks like black tea, green sun tea, Sport Tea, and electrolyte drinks, but try to limit coffee.

- Gradually reintroduce higher-fiber or whole-grain foods only after you've healed more. Many people stick to low-fiber white products initially.

- For nutrient-dense smoothies, blend ingredients like frozen berries, banana, walnuts, Greek yogurt, kale or spinach, and orange or pomegranate juice. You can also add powdered super-greens.

- If oral intake isn't enough, total parenteral or overnight IV nutrition might be an option. This approach helped one person gain significant weight over several months.

- For more information on diet and nutrition, check out resources from the University of Ostomy Associations of America.

- A small amount of mouthwash in your ostomy pouch can help reduce odor.

- Remember, it's normal to feel isolated at first, but many people find that their weight and confidence return over time. Focus on healing and gaining strength before scheduling your reversal surgery.