Ostomy Reversal Post Op Questions

Hoping you all can help me out, as my father is 9 days post op from his ostomy reversal.  What are the expectations about eating this many days out?  The hosptial sent him home after he held down broth and Jello, however he vomits after a bite of two of anything he tries to eat.  We are going for soft foods like ice cream, pudding, mashed pototoes, etc.  Is this normal?  He is very stubborn and not wanting me to take him back to the hospital so I thought I would inquire to see if anyone else had a hard time getting reaquinted with food after the reversal.  He is on pain meds and anti-nausea medicines currently.

My nausea lasted five days. I had a hypersensitivity reaction to two of the anti-nausea meds I was first given. I stayed away from any fatty foods like ice cream. The foods that stayed down the best were popsicles, jello, soft boiled eggs and toast, poached chicken and white rice. I used zofran and ativan to stop the mucles from continuous cyclical vomiting. He also needs an electrolyte drink. I found the Gatorade Glacier Freeze not too disgusting. Has he called his doctor lately to discuss the vomiting? There are many solutions available through his doctor. He should not have to continue going through this. I hope he feels better soon!

After my temp ostomy was reversed, I had to return to eating very slowly. Small portions, plain food. I experienced severe D and needed to be on a low residue diet (eventually). My surgeons all said to eat anything I wanted and if I experienced trouble (D), to take Immodium. Well, that was terrible advice! My insides were raw from going so much and my bottom as well.

If he's experiencing the onslaught of repeated loose or D like stools, consider a plain diet for a while - white rice, white bread, cottage cheese, bananas, applesauce, mashed potatoes, chicken, turkey, plain yogurt, etc. In other words, the BRAT diet.

This can be a tricky transition period and I found it best not to have large meals, I didn't even use dinner sized plates back then, but rather salad plates, and I used a regular tablespoon, not a serving spoon for my sides on my plate. That way I truly kept the items on my plate small in proportion.

He could also just enjoy a few Stouffer's frozen meals - their size portions are ideal for post-op patients.

Great news to hear. I hope one of the anti nausea meds is Phenergan - if so, that's my go-to med for nausea. Docs don't always want to prescribe it though, because it has the side effect of mild sedation (but when you're feeling like cr**, a little grogginess just seems to help me).

Either way, sounds as if he's on the right path now. Keep us posted.

Yeah you'll find lots of ordinary phrases and wordings quite funny from now on. I remember watching one of the Austin Powers movies with my daughter after my surgeries and my God, I had tears running down my face, because this was my life - reduced to potty humor.

But sometimes you need potty humor. lol

Hey everyone,

I had my temporary ileostomy (made 04/04/13) reversed on Monday of this week (24/03/14). They'd offered to reverse back in November last year but I didn't feel mentally or physically ready.

Now I've had it done, I'm passing wind and have a lot inside me moving around which is painful but I'm happy it's happening. I still haven't had a bowel movement yet which I'm slightly worried about but will be happy once it happens.

They haven't really told me what foods are best for this transition period, to make sure my bowel starts working but also not go clog me up more!

Any tips?

Thanks, Lo.

Sonshine38 said...
Well I am brand new here... ostomy reversal Tuesday a week ago. Constipated tonight! Miserable! Looking for ideas to help. Does anyone know if juices and water still help even if you seem to be impacted? thanks

Have you gone at all today? Do you have pain or nausea? If so, call your surgeons office in case you have a blockage or a partial one. Shortly after my reversal I developed a stricture (narrowing due to scar tissue at the anastomis site). It made me feel constipated....lots of unproductive trips to the bathroom. It wouldn't hurt to try some grape juice. Definately don't be afraid to ask questions to your surgeon's office if you don't feel right. Also, perhaps start your own new thread....this is an older one and you may get more responses with a new thread. Hope you feel better soon.