After surgery...

So, this is my description of how I followed the post-op diet super super strictly: itslikethisuc.blogspot.com/2013/01/gi-soft-round-up-or-too-much-free-time.html

Your WOCN should set you up with all the medical supplies you'll need. I've been meaning to write this in my blog for a while (darn, I'm so behind) but some stuff you might want that they won't necessarily give you:

- two pairs of GOOD scissors, I carry a spare in my purse to trim an emergency wafer if I need to. These are the scissors I use: http://www.amazon.com/Iris-Scissors-Curved-Stainless-Steel/dp/B00BNQCO9U/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1373593367&sr=8-5&keywords=curved+tip+scissors. I just find them easier to maneuver than the straight edged ones I got from the hospital.

- baby wipes: When I empty my ostomy bag, after I squeeze out the excess, I swipe the end with a bit of TP, and then I use a baby wipe to thoroughly clean the last 1" or so. I sort of stick my index finger into the middle of the wipe then use it to wipe inside, then fold it and wipe again, etc. It isn't so necessary that I carry wipes with me, but at home (and especially when I need to empty in the middle of the night) it's way easier.

- gauze sponges: I like to clean my stoma and peri-stomal skin with gauze sponges instead of paper toweling. My WOCNs use gauze sponges too so I think I'm in good company. I use the 2"x2" variety, they are pretty cheap and can be found on Amazon, in drugstores, etc.

- paper/plastic cups and plates: Because doing dishes on top of everything else SUUUUCKS. Also I'm clumsy post-op and would probably have broken real glasses if I were using them.

- Movies, books, happy photos, etc: Be nice to yourself and try to relax :)

Ha -- I would eat them immediately!

Take that blog post of mine with a grain of salt... I developed a LOT of weird food issues and intolerances during my flare, so not only was I introducing new foods post-op, but I was re-introducing foods that I hadn't eaten since before I got sick. Once before I had surgery I triggered an arthritis flareup by eating 1/3 cup of mashed ripe banana. It was horrible! (And for the record, I ate a banana for breakfast every morning before I got sick, and I eat a banana most days now without issue). Anyway, what I'm trying to say is that I followed a MUCH stricter diet than most people would or should after my surgery. After Surgery #2 I was freer with the soft diet (I would include cinnamon rolls ) because I had been eating food so recently.

No symptoms :-D

I am almost four weeks post op. I pretty much eat anything I want. I have not had trouble with anything I have eaten. Just remember to chew, chew, chew. I was staying away from salads and tomatoes, but I tried a tomato today and had no problem. I found I don't like to eat a lot before I am going to go to bed because my stoma will get real puffy trying get all of the food out.

I am not gonna lie. The first few weeks after the surgery were hell. My hospital care was not the best so I was on the fast track to get myself home. After the third week I am doing more and more. It feels good to get out and not always be thinking about the bag hanging off my side.

Best of luck to you.

My experience was like PSUDOC's... I did not find any issues with types of food other than that I strictly avoided raw fruit and veggies and also ensured that even cooked veggies are cooked soft. I still avoid salad and stuff with seeds and pulp but recently, 2 months after surgery, discover that I can eat strawberries and water melon with zero issues- have only tried a few mouthfuls a day thus far. In the weeks right after surgery you will need to space eating via lots of "mini" meals, but within a month I found that I can gorge a huge meal if I like to, with zero issues. Also, now if I happen to forget to chew chew chew I have noticed zero issues as well. I eat those big rice cakes now just fine and almost makes me wonder if popcorn would be a non issue but I am being conservative in what I try. But i susoect that blueheron's advice- to intersperse any "risky" food with safe food will orevent a "ball" of pulp from ever forming. That said, in hospital dint experiment- stick to soft soft soft. Good luck!!

PS here is a very good tip: get pedialyte powder (they come in packa of 4 and 8) and take plenty of them into the hospital with you. Unlike fruit juice they do not cause dhydration and D and help replace elctro,ytes MUCH better than sugary sports drinks like gatorde. Most hospitals oddly do NOT seem to stock or provide pedialyte, and will keep trying to pump you up with stupid sugary fruit drinks, which will dehydrate you and cause liquid output.

Post Edited (Probiotic) : 7/12/2013 6:36:19 AM (GMT-6)