This topic is about dealing with diet-related blockages and weight-loss challenges after long-term use of prednisone, especially for someone who has been living with an ostomy for 20 years. The person is finding it difficult to lose the weight gained during prednisone treatment and is experiencing painful blockages from many high-fiber foods. Additionally, they have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, which adds to their frustration and need for guidance. Here are some helpful tips and insights:

1. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, as good hydration can help prevent blockages.

2. Identify which fruits and vegetables you can tolerate:
- Well-cooked cauliflower, broccoli, and sweet potatoes are often safe.
- Iceberg lettuce, romaine leaves, corn, and too much banana can frequently cause blockages.

3. Be cautious with nuts and seeds:
- Small amounts of raw nuts might be okay, but roasted nuts often cause severe blockages, so avoid them or be extremely careful.

4. Pay attention to portion size and chewing:
- Eat very small portions, take tiny bites, and chew thoroughly to reduce residue.

5. Consider a low-residue or liquid diet:
- Some people switch to this type of diet under a dietitian’s supervision.
- Use blenders to make puréed fruits and vegetables; options include applesauce, Boost, Ensure, and low-sodium V8-type drinks.

6. If you want to eat salad, use only the tender inner "hearts" of lettuce in a small chef-style salad with well-tolerated add-ins.

7. Experiment gradually with different foods:
- Keep notes on what you eat, how much, and your reactions to identify personal trigger foods over time.

8. Be cautious with medication:
- Avoid over-the-counter fat-absorption pills, as they can cause greasy output, frequent pouch failures, and blockages.

9. Seek professional resources:
- Check the website links on the forum’s home page for access to stoma/ostomy nurses who can provide individualized support.

10. Explore related reading:
- There is a separate forum thread discussing how to manage an ostomy alongside fibromyalgia, which might offer additional coping ideas.