Ileostomy and fruit/veggie output

Hi all, I am 52 and I have Crohn's Disease. I haven't been on the forum since before my 2011 ileostomy surgery. The ileostomy gave me a new lease on life, and allowed me to regain my health.

One challenge I have had to deal with since then is eating fruits and vegetables, or any food that doesn't break down much as it digests. If I eat more than a few bites of fruits/veggies (raw or cooked), it clogs up my bag as the output comes out, will not move down in the bag, and sometimes gets behind the flange and makes it come loose. Does anyone else have this problem?

I have a small diameter stoma, about five-eighths of an inch, so that might contribute to this issue. Maybe I don't drink enough water, although I drink a lot of diet soft drinks. I often get an upset stomach when I drink water, so I tend to avoid it. I would appreciate any suggestions or advice, so I can eat a more well-rounded diet.

Thanks,
Lynn

Thanks for your response, Pombear. I will give juicing a try. It's not as satisfying to take in juice rather than solid food, but I can get the vitamins that way.

Take care,
Lynn