Color Logo for MeetAnOstoMate
Sponsored by Hollister
Login   |  
Forgot password?
 
Forum
Videos
Reviews
About Us
Color Logo for MeetAnOstoMate
Where Everybody Understands You
41,458 members
Apr 14, 2014

Constant Hunger after Loop Ileostomy - Is it Normal?

The topic at hand is about experiencing constant hunger after having a new loop ileostomy. This is a common concern for those who have recently undergone this procedure. Here are some helpful insights and advice to manage this situation:

1. Feeling hungry every 3 to 4 hours is quite normal after a loop ileostomy. This happens because the bowel's transit time is shorter, meaning nutrients pass through your system more quickly, prompting your body to ask for food more often.

2. Try eating smaller, more frequent meals or snacks, aiming for at least five times a day. Avoid going longer than four hours without eating, as this can lead to discomfort like wind, gurgling, fatigue, or feeling unwell.

3. Keep portable food and fluids with you at all times. Many people find it helpful to carry a "snack kit" in a purse or bag, along with a water bottle, so they are never caught without something to eat.

4. Consider using nutritional drinks to fill in the gaps without needing large meals. Some options include:
- Ensure by Abbott Nutrition
- EAS "AdvantEdge" Carb Control shake by Abbott Nutrition, which has 14 grams of protein and 100 calories
- Meal-replacement shakes or smoothies you can make at home

5. Staying hydrated and replacing electrolytes is crucial because ileostomies can lead to a loss of salt and minerals. Some options for hydration include:
- Gatorade or other sports/electrolyte drinks
- Coconut water (preferably not from concentrate) for natural electrolytes with very low calories
- Smart Water, which is electrolyte-enhanced bottled water
- Vitamin Water or inexpensive electrolyte waters available at dollar stores, which have a plain taste without colors or flavors
- Homemade "St Marks Solution" (you can search online for the recipe), which is specifically recommended for those with ileostomies
- Dioralyte sachets, an oral rehydration powder that some people get by prescription and add two sachets to each sports drink

6. To minimize the need to empty your pouch at night, try to stop eating about four hours before bedtime and rely on fluids only after that.

7. Including some salty, crunchy snacks in your diet can help replace sodium lost in output and satisfy hunger without adding too much bulk.
See full discusison
Gray Logo for MeetAnOstoMate
MeetAnOstoMate.org

MeetAnOstoMate is a remarkable community of 41,458 members.

“Every morning with my coffee, I read here and feel wrapped in warmth - I hardly post, but it still feels like family.”

“Our oncologist literally wrote down the link; they said more patients need this website.”

“This place pulled me out of the dark. I went from lurking to living again.”

“At 3am, someone’s awake somewhere in the world. I’m never alone here.”

Join Free

Popular Topics

Antibiotics and Ostomies: Seeking Advice and Experiences
EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN
Seeking Alternatives to Adhesive Ostomy Bags
An old guy looking for new things
Being Greatful
I have a question
Newbie
Keep laughing
Not much to tell really.
Cohesive Ring Swelling Around Stoma: Need Advice

New Topics

Pill to decrease hunger
Is Gum Chewing Bad for Ostomates?
Attn: Newbies……Ahhhh - A Naked Shower
Flabby.....taps out
PIC-A-DILLY POSSIBILITY
New
Comfortable Jean Shorts for Women with Ostomy
Barbie Butt Surgery; Are My Recovery Expectations Foolish?!?
First Vacation with an Ostomy
Ileostomy and Dehydration After Stopping Loperamide
About us | Privacy policy | Terms of use | Ostomy Blogs | Ostomy Q&A | Guides | Contact Us
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and Google Privacy Policy and Google Terms of Service apply.
Copyright (c) MeetAnOstoMate.org All Rights Reserved
Create Account
Login
↑