This topic is about understanding the role of probiotics, vitamins, and energy concerns for someone who has had an ileostomy. An ileostomy involves the removal of the colon, which changes how digestion and absorption occur, focusing mainly on the small intestine. Here are some insights and advice shared by others who have experience with this:

- Digestion and absorption now happen mostly in the small intestine, which can affect how nutrients and medications are absorbed. Time-released or coated medications might not work as intended, leading to feelings of exhaustion and weakness.

- Some probiotics might act like laxatives, which is not ideal for someone with an ileostomy. It's important to find suitable probiotics or alternatives and ways to regain energy for activities like workouts.

- Consider whether daily vitamin supplements are advisable, either in place of or in addition to probiotics. Brewing and drinking kombucha is also mentioned as part of the routine.

Advice and insights from others include:

1. Get baseline lab work. It's recommended to have a blood test through your primary-care doctor to check for deficiencies in iron, B-vitamins, vitamin D, magnesium, potassium, and other nutrients before adding supplements.

2. Consult a dietitian or ostomy nurse. Hospitals with ostomy or wound clinics often have nutritionists who can provide tailored advice for stoma patients.

3. Vitamins can be important for ileostomates. Since the colon, where many B-complex vitamins are normally produced, is absent, daily supplementation can be beneficial. Some have found specific multivitamins, like Centrum Specialist/Energy, to be effective.

4. Opinions on probiotics are mixed. Some believe most commercial probiotics are destroyed by stomach acid and may be over-hyped, while others report benefits:
- A long-term ileostomate found relief from excess gas by using a combined prebiotic/probiotic formulated for the small intestine.
- A niece with a re-attached ileostomy takes doctor-prescribed probiotics.
- Plexus plant-based supplements, which include aloe and a separate probiotic, are said to improve overall wellbeing and reduce the need for other medications.

5. Prebiotics can support beneficial bacteria and reduce gas, especially those designed for the small intestine. They can be used alongside or instead of probiotics.

6. Fermented foods like yogurt with fresh berries, sauerkraut, kombucha, and cottage cheese provide natural probiotics and enzymes. It's suggested to try new foods in small amounts and re-test every few months as the gut adapts.

7. General supplement suggestions include fish oil, curcumin, B-complex, B3, vitamin D3, magnesium, and potassium.

8. Monitor thyroid function and cancer risk, especially for those with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) or similar conditions.