This topic is about understanding how long it takes for food to travel through the digestive system and reach the stoma after a colostomy. The goal is to create a diet that results in a predictable and consistent output. The person is curious if what they see in their pouch after breakfast is from that meal or a previous one, and they notice that their diet's effectiveness varies from day to day.

Here are some helpful insights and advice:

1. Colonic irrigation:
- Many people recommend learning about colostomy irrigation. They find it can provide freedom for 24 to 72 hours with just a stoma cap after using about 500 ml of water.
- It's important to know that irrigation isn't suitable for everyone, so getting medical advice is a good idea.

2. Typical gut transit times:
- Research from the Mayo Clinic suggests that the average total transit time is about 53 hours, with around 40 hours specifically through the colon (approximately 33 hours for men and 47 hours for women).
- For those with an ileostomy, one person noted that a meal typically reappears about 12 hours later.

3. Simple home test:
- To find out your personal transit time, eat foods that are easy to recognize, like sweet corn or whole green peas, and see how long it takes for them to appear in your pouch.

4. Slowing output and thickening stool:
- Loperamide (Imodium) tablets can help slow down stool movement, allowing for better nutrient absorption. Taking one tablet with breakfast and supper (and possibly lunch) can be effective. Generic versions are available online.
- Codeine phosphate tablets, prescribed by a doctor, can also help slow gut movement and reduce diarrhea.
- Foods that can thicken output include peanut butter, bananas, oatmeal, unsweetened mashed potatoes, and white rice. Be aware that peanut butter might cause "pancaking," where output sticks to the barrier.

5. Understanding "it came right out of me":
- What comes out immediately after eating is usually from earlier meals. It's like a full glass of water; adding more pushes the older contents out.

6. Terminology:
- "Pancaking" is when thick output collects around the stoma and flattens against the barrier instead of dropping into the pouch, which can sometimes lead to leaks.