This topic is about safely enjoying Chinese food after having an ileostomy. The person sharing their experience recently had surgery to remove a stricture and is now doing well with their ileostomy, which they affectionately call "Maxine." They used to love Chinese cuisine but have been cautious about eating it due to concerns about blockages caused by certain vegetables. They are seeking advice from others who have ileostomies on which Chinese foods are safe to eat and how to avoid any issues.

Here are some helpful tips and insights shared by others:

1. General guidelines:
- Chew your food very thoroughly and try new dishes in small portions.
- Opt for well-cooked foods rather than raw or lightly stir-fried ones.
- Keep a senna-based laxative handy just in case.
- Be aware of blockage signs like cramping, little or no output, or only watery output, and seek medical help if needed.

2. Dishes many people with ileostomies enjoy without issues:
- MuShu (Moo Shu) Pork, General Tso’s Chicken, Beef & Broccoli, Sweet & Sour Chicken.
- Chicken Lo Mein, but order it "without vegetables."
- Pork-fried dumplings (pot-stickers).
- Soft and minced dim sum selections.
- Egg Drop Soup or Wonton Soup, and you can request "no MSG."

3. Items to avoid or be cautious with:
- Egg rolls, as they can cause cramping for some.
- Rice and standard stir-fried vegetable mixes, which have caused blockages for a few people.
- Vegetable Egg Foo Young or dishes with semi-raw vegetables unless they are cooked very soft.
- Fibrous foods like broccoli, cabbage in MuShu Pork, mushrooms, pineapple, grapefruit, oranges, fruit skins, and nuts can cause gas or blockages if not chewed well.

4. Cooking and ordering tips:
- Ask the restaurant to cook vegetables longer or cut them smaller, or make your own stir-fry at home with small, soft-cooked veggies.
- Consider taking Beano (an enzyme tablet) before eating gassy foods like broccoli or cabbage.
- When unsure, stick to noodles, chicken, shrimp, and soups without fibrous vegetables.

5. Products and aids mentioned:
- Beano, an over-the-counter enzyme tablet for gas.
- A senna-based laxative to help relieve an early blockage if it happens.