This topic is about someone who is having a tough time with their diet after a colostomy. They are experiencing severe abdominal pain after eating, which has become worse since Christmas. Right now, they can only manage to eat Fortijuices, porridge, and plain jacket potatoes without margarine. An attempt to eat gravy with bread caused intense pain. They are waiting for a bowel transit test because their consultant suspects the bowel might be failing. They are seeking advice on diet and general support.

Here are some helpful suggestions:

1. Meal-replacement drinks:
- Consider Ensure Plus, a complete-meal milkshake available in various flavors, with strawberry being a popular choice. It has helped many people when solid food was not an option.
- Fortijuice and Carnation Instant Breakfast are also high-calorie, vitamin-rich options.
- Liquid multivitamins can be used to supplement these drinks.

2. Low-residue/low-fiber diet:
- Avoid high-fiber foods like porridge, oatmeal, cereals, and most breads.
- Opt for softer, low-fiber alternatives like Minute Rice, canned fruits, and canned vegetables.
- Jello and non-tapioca puddings can provide calories and hydration without adding bulk.
- Clear broths such as beef, chicken, or vegetable, along with organic decaf green or black teas, are gentle on the stomach.

3. Foods and ingredients to avoid until the bowel settles:
- Gravy mixes thickened with cornflour and bread might cause issues.
- Unsaturated oils like corn, canola, and olive oils can be hard to digest; small amounts of butter may be better tolerated than margarine.
- Seasonings made from ground bark, such as black pepper and cinnamon, and many preservatives can be irritating.

4. Supplements:
- If prescribed vitamin or mineral tablets, consult with your doctor about grinding them to help with absorption.
- Check labels to avoid products containing bone meal or dolomite, as they can cause constipation and may contain harmful heavy metals.

5. General pointers:
- Pain is a signal to keep food bland and simple until medical tests are complete. Reintroduce foods slowly afterward.
- Stay in close contact with your medical team and advocate for timely investigations, as uncertainty can be more challenging than treatment itself.