This topic is about dealing with weight gain after recovering from an ileostomy. The person sharing their experience has been living with an ileostomy for nearly six years. Initially, they lost a lot of weight during their hospital stay, but as they recovered, they gained some back. Over the past couple of years, however, their weight has continued to increase, surpassing their previous highest weight. This is particularly troubling for them due to a history of anorexia. They had some success with Weight Watchers in the past, losing 36 pounds, but a second attempt only resulted in a 16-pound loss before gaining it all back and more. They are reaching out to see if others with ostomies have faced similar challenges with weight gain and loss, and how they manage it.

Here are some pieces of advice and insights shared by others:

1. Re-introduce exercise safely. One person overcame their fear of exercising with a colostomy by working with an athletic therapist. The therapist helped create a personalized workout plan that protected the stoma area.

2. Focus on a sustainable healthy-lifestyle program rather than aiming for quick weight loss.

3. Be prepared for slower progress, especially if you are in your 40s or have gone through menopause. Hormonal changes can make losing weight more challenging, so it's important to set realistic goals, like aiming to lose 40 pounds over time.

4. Rule out any medical barriers. It's a good idea to ask your doctor to check for thyroid or other metabolic issues that might be making it harder to lose weight.