This topic is about finding ways to manage and thicken the output after J-pouch surgery, which can be a challenge for those recovering from this procedure. The person sharing their experience is dealing with watery output, dehydration, and weight loss, and is looking for effective dietary and medication strategies to help.

Here are some helpful tips and insights:

1. Consider the BRAT diet, which includes bananas, white rice, applesauce, and white bread or toast, as these foods can help thicken output.

2. Other foods that may help bulk up the output include pasta, potatoes (both regular and sweet), peanut butter, tapioca, marshmallows (especially before changing your appliance), and dairy products.

3. Medications that are often used to manage high, thin output include:
- Loperamide (Imodium)
- Lomotil (diphenoxylate-atropine)
- Tincture of opium
- Cholesterol-binding powder cholesitpol, which should be taken 1–3 times daily but separated from other medications to avoid interference.

4. Some foods and additives can thin the output quickly and might be best limited or avoided. These include sugars, sodas, spicy foods, most fruits, artificial sweeteners like maltitol, pineapple, coconut, tomatoes, leafy salads, concentrated fruit juices (which can be diluted if consumed), and McDonald’s fries.

5. It's encouraging to know that output generally improves over time as the terminal small intestine adapts and absorbs more water. Many people with ulcerative colitis keep their J-pouch for many years post-surgery.

6. Keep track of how different foods and medications affect you, as individual tolerance can vary. It's important to experiment and find what works best for you.