Nutritional Guide - Flipbook - Page 20
POSSIBLE IRRITANTS
Possible irritants
When the body has recently had surgery (most likely within the first
6-8 weeks) it can be extra sensitive, which can mean some symptoms
occur when consuming certain food or drink products. A sensitive gut
or bladder is more likely to be irritated and this can mean food and fluid
passing through the body quicker than normal; this can cause cramping,
bloating, a more liquid stool, or a higher production of urine.
Fibre
Those with jejunostomies need a long-term low-fibre
and low-irritant diet. However, there is no strong clinical
evidence that a low-fibre diet is needed long-term in those
with urostomies, colostomies or even ileostomies. Some
people experience looser and more liquid stools with
higher fibre foods; swapping some of these to lower fibre
alternatives can help form more solid or thicker stools –
this is most common in jejunostomies and ileostomies
and is likely not relevant for those with colostomies
or urostomies.
If you are having looser bowel movements, pick some
lower fibre choices. This may only be needed for 6-8
weeks after surgery and then you can start re-introducing
some higher fibre options. It may not only be the food
choices you make (e.g. lower fibre fruits and vegetables),
but also the amount of portions you have in a day; some
people may only be able to tolerate 2-3 portions, others
5 or more.
High fat foods and drinks
Some people have sensitive guts to ‘rich’ meals that are
high in fat and often include creamy sauces, fried foods
and some takeaway dishes. Occasionally after bowelrelated stoma surgeries, usually in the first 6-8 weeks
after surgery, people’s tolerance to ‘rich’ meals is reduced
but this is usually temporary. Someone with reduced
fat-tolerance may experience greasy stools, a “rancid”
odour and include stomach cramping. Choosing lower fat
options, having tomato rather than cream-based sauces
and having standard or slightly decreased portion sizes
can help reduce symptoms and improve digestion.
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