Diet Tips

After any type of surgery, it takes a while for your body to adjust.

After any type of surgery, it takes a while for your body to adjust. Below are some general guidelines about food and fluid intake that are helpful for people who have a urostomy, ileostomy, and colostomy. However, if your doctor or Stomal Therapy Nurse has recommended a special diet, you should follow that advice.

• Eating small portions is a good idea


• Some foods having spices may cause your urine to have an unusual odour and colour, but this is nothing to be worried about.


• Remember to stay hydrated: Almost everyone after this surgery increases their urine outflow. This means you need to drink relatively more to help your body to maintain the right fluid balance. Please drink 10-12 glasses of fluid every day.


• Alcohol and caffeinated drinks: Alcohol is fine in moderation as is tea and coffee, but water and juices are still better sources of liquid, so be careful not to use coffee or tea as a substitute for water.


• Increasing intake of Vitamin C increases the acidity of your urine to prevent UTIs, decrease urine odour and keep your skin healthy. Try including food like Indian gooseberry, oranges, lemons, tomatoes, bell peppers, guava


• You can also help avoid a food blockage by eating slowly, chewing your food thoroughly and drinking fluids with your meals.


• Beware of two myths i.e. Gluten makes you bloated and Dairy causes indigestion. Gluten and Diary is a part of balanced diet, and therefore it is not recommended that you cut it out of your diet unnecessarily. It is not recommended to remove of calcium and protein out of your diet.