This topic is about managing very watery and high-volume output from an ileostomy, especially focusing on preventing leaks during the night. The person sharing their experience is just 19 days post-surgery and is dealing with frequent pouch emptying and nighttime leaks, which are causing a lot of stress and mess. They are also concerned about dehydration despite drinking water. Here are some helpful tips and advice that might make things a bit easier:

1. Thicken the output with specific foods:
- Try eating marshmallows (4–5), toast, bananas, potatoes, saltine crackers, rice, or peanut butter a few hours before bed or before showering and changing the bag.
- Avoid fresh fruits and other foods that soften stools.

2. Schedule night-time management:
- Set an alarm to wake up and empty the pouch every few hours until the output slows down.
- Consider using extra-large night-wear pouches to extend the time between emptying.

3. Improve wafer adhesion and prevent leaks:
- After applying the wafer or flange, hold your hand over it for 5-10 minutes to warm and secure it.
- Press firmly on the area between the stoma and the wafer edge.
- Reinforce the edges with additional tape like Coloplast Elastic Tape, athletic tape, hockey tape, or clear plastic medical tape.
- Keep half-sheet paper towels nearby; fold and tape one over the stoma during changes to catch any unexpected output.

4. Prepare the bathroom or change area:
- Have plenty of paper towels and all necessary supplies laid out in advance to reduce mess and stress.

5. General reassurance and medical follow-up:
- Very watery output is common early after surgery and often thickens over time.
- Doctors can prescribe medications to slow down the output if dietary changes aren't enough.

6. Maintain perspective:
- Try to accept mishaps with humor; many people with ostomies experience similar challenges and report that things improve over time.