7 Tips to Help Manage Your Diet After a Colostomy

Having colorectal cancer can be life-changing in many ways and this can extend beyond treatment as you recover from the disease. As part of your treatment plan, you might have undergone a temporary or permanent colostomy. Like many other abdominal surgeries, a colostomy will impact your diet and the things you can and cannot consume.

Recovery after a colostomy can differ between individuals, and it may take some time before you are able to eat certain foods again. In this article, we provide seven tips on how to manage your diet after a colostomy, and a quick list of foods that you can slowly add to your diet along with those you should limit and avoid.

A colostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening in the abdomen through which the large intestine is brought out and attached to the abdominal wall. This allows waste to be eliminated from the body through a stoma, which is a small opening in the abdomen. The surgery is often done to treat not only colorectal cancer but also inflammatory bowel disease, or other conditions that affect the digestive system.

After a colostomy, your body requires time for your surgical wounds to heal. Depending on the type of surgery you receive, such as a colectomy, your body will also need to adapt to having a shorter colon. This means that your gut will not be able to process food in the same way as before your surgery.

Besides giving time for your body to heal, your diet also needs to be carefully managed to avoid complications that may affect the health of the stoma (the hole made in your abdomen). This, along with other physical conditions such as odor, is dependent on the food you consume and how frequently you do it.

It is important to start with a soft and low-fiber diet. While it may be off-putting even for non-foodies, ‘bland’ food — well-cooked food that isn’t spicy, heavy or fried — is more easily digested and can prevent diarrhea, blockages and discomfort from bloating or gas. Your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian can help you create a meal plan that is appropriate for your specific needs and preferences.

When you are ready to introduce new food back into your diet, do so one at a time and in small amounts, and take note of any differences or effects after each meal. To that end, you can consider keeping a food diary to help you keep track of things.

This new dietary regimen may be a challenging change, but guidance from your healthcare team and nutritionist can ensure an easier transition. Make sure to ask questions or clear any doubts that you may have.

In addition to eating bland food, drinking plenty of fluid helps prevent dehydration and ensures the fiber in your stool does not cause blockage. Water, herbal teas, non-carbonated isotonic drinks and clear broths are good options. Avoid sugary and carbonated drinks, which can cause gas and discomfort. 8 to 10 glasses of fluid (about 2 liters) per day is recommended.

It will take your body time to readjust to high-fiber diets. Low-fiber foods are easier to digest and less likely to cause problems after a colostomy. Some examples of low-fiber foods include white bread, pasta, rice, cooked vegetables (without skin or seeds), canned fruits, and lean meats.

At the same time, it is important to consume enough fiber as a lack of it can cause constipation. If you feel constipated, contact your doctor and find out if you can introduce high-fiber food or supplements into your diet.

While recovering, it is important to avoid taxing your digestive system heavily. Instead of eating three normal meals a day, try eating small, frequent meals throughout the day. This can help prevent discomfort. At the same time, thoroughly chewing your food and eating slowly will also help prevent irritating your bowels.

Certain foods can cause blockages in the stoma, which can be painful and require medical attention. Avoid nuts, seeds, popcorn, corn, coconut, and raw fruits and vegetables, which can be difficult to digest due to the high fiber content.

Some fruits and vegetables are also prone to producing more gas and odor when consumed. Limit your consumption of asparagus, onions, garlic, leeks, as well as broccoli, cauliflower, corn and nuts to reduce gas and odor.

After a colostomy, it is important to be mindful of your salt and sugar intake. Too much salt can cause dehydration and increase the risk of kidney problems, while too much sugar can cause diarrhea and other digestive problems.

While some food can cause gas buildup in your gut, there are also habits that can lead to gas-related discomfort. Chewing gum, drinking through a straw, smoking or chewing tobacco and consuming alcohol (especially beer) can cause gas to build up and should be avoided. At the same time, eating too fast or skipping meals will also lead to similar problems. Try keeping to small but regular meals to ensure that your meals are easily and well digested.

The list below gives you a better idea of what you can eat after your colostomy, but remember, it is also normal to have a reduced or low appetite after your surgery. Nonetheless, you can regain your appetite over time and enjoy more variety in your meals again.