This topic is about someone experiencing a sudden change in their ileostomy output. They noticed that if they delay meals, their pouch fills quickly with a large amount of yellow liquid, which they think might be bile. To manage this, they started eating small amounts more frequently, but this has led to weight gain. They are looking for ways to control the liquid output without gaining weight.

Here are some suggestions and insights shared by others:

1. Consult professionals first:
- It's recommended to see an ostomy nurse or a gastrointestinal specialist. They can help assess if the issue might be due to dumping syndrome, a partial blockage, or another cause.

2. Measure what actually comes out and goes in:
- Consider using a hospital-style urinal to measure the output from the pouch. Many find the men's model with a lid to be convenient.
- Keep track of how much fluid you drink. If your daily output is consistently over 1 liter, especially more than 2 liters, and you're drinking less, you might be at risk of dehydration. In such cases, medical help like IV hydration at home might be necessary.

3. Melatonin to reduce bile output:
- One person mentioned a study and personal experience where taking 5–10 mg of melatonin 2–3 hours before bedtime for 6–8 weeks stopped the bile output. It reduced from 2–4 liters a day to none.
- Melatonin is generally safe, but if you miss doses for a couple of nights, the bile might return and take about a week to subside again.
- If you feel groggy during the day, try taking melatonin earlier in the evening.

4. Slow output during pouch changes and general control:
- Using Benefiber, a fiber supplement, and Lomotil, a prescription anti-diarrheal, can help thicken and slow down the output temporarily when needed.