This topic is about a person who recently had a sigmoid colostomy and is navigating the changes in their body, particularly focusing on managing their output and dealing with constipation. Here are some helpful insights and advice shared by others who have been through similar experiences:

1. **Colostomy Irrigation**
- Many people find colostomy irrigation to be a game-changer, as it can significantly reduce or even eliminate nighttime output and help with constipation.
- It's important to have a healthy descending or sigmoid colon and to wait until you're more healed, which could be several weeks or months post-surgery, before starting irrigation.
- You can choose to irrigate daily, which allows for a normal diet, or every other day, often paired with a low-fiber/low-residue diet.
- There are resources available, like the Coloplast irrigation video, to help you learn the technique. Some people use small "patches" to cover the stoma after irrigation.

2. **Eating Pattern & Timing**
- There isn't a one-size-fits-all evening eating cut-off time, but keeping consistent meal times can help regulate bowel movements.
- Some people who irrigate find that their stoma "sleeps" when they do, which means no overnight output.

3. **Diet to Manage Output Consistency**
- To thicken watery stool, try incorporating foods like oatmeal, bananas, peanut butter (on a sandwich or English muffin), and applesauce into your diet.
- A high-protein, low-fiber/low-residue diet is recommended by some, especially for those who irrigate every other day.
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals can help with comfort and make output more predictable.

4. **Medications & Supplements**
- Imodium can be used occasionally to help thicken stool quickly.
- Benefiber and Colace are fine for managing constipation now, but many people stop using laxatives once they establish a regular irrigation routine.

5. **General Encouragement**
- It's normal for output to be unpredictable for 6-8 weeks after surgery, and it often thickens gradually over time.
- It's a good idea to talk to your surgeon or WOC nurse about irrigation, as it might not be covered in hospital discussions.

These insights and tips are shared to help you navigate this new phase with your colostomy, offering practical solutions and encouragement as you adjust.