The topic is about adjusting to life after a proctocolectomy, which is a surgery that involves removing the colon and rectum, often resulting in an ileostomy. This can be a big change, especially when it comes to eating and enjoying your favorite foods. The person facing this surgery is worried about not being able to eat their beloved "cancer-fighting" foods like nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, salads, and spicy dishes, among others. They are concerned about having to return to a restrictive diet similar to the one they had during chemotherapy, which led to unwanted weight loss.

Here are some helpful tips and insights for navigating this new chapter:

1. Everyone's tolerance to foods is different and can change over time. Foods that might be difficult to eat right after surgery could be fine a few months later.

2. A good strategy is to introduce one new food at a time and in small portions. Keeping a food diary can help you notice patterns and understand what works for you.

3. Chewing is very important. Make sure to chew thoroughly until nuts become a paste and vegetable skins are well pulverized before swallowing. Dicing or mincing chunky items like onions, cilantro, and peppers can help reduce the risk of blockages.

4. In the early stages, many people are cautious with foods like popcorn, whole nuts and seeds, tough peels and skins, corn, large amounts of lettuce, and very fibrous raw vegetables.

5. When reintroducing foods, consider peeling apples if needed and blending or puréeing high-fiber foods to make them easier to digest. For gas-producing foods like beans and lentils, some people find it helpful to take Gas-X or Beano beforehand.

6. Staying hydrated is crucial. Drink water throughout the day, and some people find that following meals with hot decaf tea helps keep things moving.

7. If you experience cramps or thick output, try thinning it with juices like apple, orange, coconut water, or tomato.

8. To slow down very liquid output during appliance changes, some people use mini marshmallows, but individual caution is advised.

9. For snack substitutions that are friendly to your output, consider options like Pirate’s Booty, white-cheddar rice cakes, or White Cheddar Smartfood instead of regular popcorn. Pringles can be a good alternative when you're craving chips. Gerber baby-food fruits and veggies or cooked vegetables in soup can provide a gentle source of fiber.

10. As your body heals and adapts, you may regain tolerance for foods that were initially problematic. Some people find they can eat almost anything, including spicy foods, once they are fully healed.

11. Working with a naturopath to improve gut flora has helped some people dramatically increase their food tolerance over time.