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Ileostomy - what to eat in early days post-op

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Posted 9/4/2011 9:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all,

I usually post over on the UC board, but am here for a friend. She has recently been diagnosed with rectal cancer (stage 2 or 3) and just had an ileostomy done on Tuesday. I want to make her some pre-prepared dinners that she can eat and that would be appetizing. Does anyone have any suggestions? I know some other friends have dropped off some meals, but she can't eat any of them because of the ingredients.

Thank you in advance.

Bellydonna
Posted 9/4/2011 10:42 PM (GMT 0)
What did the others drop off that did not work well? I started on easy foods like yogurt, scrambled egg, pudding. Be careful of too much sugar though as this will increase her output. Good luck. Rosemary
Posted 9/4/2011 11:09 PM (GMT 0)
I made beef or chicken vegetable soup and blended it. That was nutrious and yummy.

I just found if my stomach had to work too hard I didn't feel good for awhile. I had the same surgery for the same reason and wanted to make sure I got lots of vegetables however would be easiest for the body. Since it takes a while before I could chew them up and not have them hurry thru intestine too fast.

You're a good friend!
Posted 9/4/2011 11:58 PM (GMT 0)
It's important to get a lot of protein, that's what helps you heal. I ate white fish, eggs, smooth peanut butter, and after a bit, cheese for protein (I hadn't been able to eat dairy before surgery, but I was OK). Chicken breast is supposed to be good too, but I didn't eat that. I also had a lot of protein shakes to supplement.

Other things I ate were white noodles, white bread/bagels, potatoes (peeled), crackers, and lemon sorbet.

Not sure how any of that goes in a dinner you're making -- depends what she likes.... it might be good to get things to nibble on too.

You are a good friend, I agree.
Posted 9/4/2011 11:58 PM (GMT 0)
She just needs to stay away from fresh fruits and veggies, stringy meats, nuts and popcorn, for now.
I ate cheese ravoli everyday for about two weeks, that's just what I wanted.
And its most important that she drinks A LOT of water getting dehydrated is very common at first, and can cause problems with blocakges.
Posted 9/5/2011 3:55 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you, everyone. I think people have been making things like chilli (with beans and spices) and casseroles with corn and other hard to digest veggies. I figured that things that I would be able to eat and process during a flare would probably be the sorts of things that she should be eating.
Posted 9/5/2011 6:23 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Bellydonna.. what a kind friend you are! I think thats lovely that you're thinking of her.

For the first few weeks it's almost the opposite of what you'd consider a healthy diet. Things that are easily processed and low in fibre and volume are the way forward. Think white toast, jam, yoghurt, custard, crackers etc.

The first few days/week, she'll probably only want to have liquid stuff, moving onto jelly, ice cream, yoghurt, smooth soup, crackers, white toast, cornflakes etc. I craved pureed/stewed apple and pear with custard after a week or so - so having some pots of stewed fruit in the freezer which she could heat up in the microwave would be great.

After a week or so she could try some light chicken or fish with rice or mashed potato. Like the others have said, stay away from high fibre, heavy meat, stringy stuff and high volume. She'll only want small portions, so don't be upset if she doesn't have much appetite. Chicken or tomato soups would probably also work well, but again all small portions. A box of snacks and nibbles would be a great thought too.

Well done for being a good friend. X
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