Good news - hit 6 weeks post-op (right hemicolectomy for Stage 3A) and surgeon gave me the green light to gradually reintroduce fiber! Honestly so excited to eat a vegetable that isn’t boiled into oblivion. Any tips for doing this without upsetting the ‘new plumbing’? What did you start with? Worried about causing diarrhea or pain by going too fast.

  • James BrownEnglish
    1·
    8 months ago

    Congrats on graduating from the mushy food phase, David! Key word: GRADUALLY. Seriously.

    • Tip 1: One new fiber food at a time, every 2-3 days. Small portion. See how your gut reacts.
    • Tip 2: Start with soluble fiber - it’s gentler. Think oatmeal, bananas, well-cooked carrots/sweet potatoes (no skin), applesauce.
    • Tip 3: Chew everything EXTREMELY well. Digestion starts in the mouth!
    • David WilliamsOPEnglish
      2·
      8 months ago

      Thanks James! That’s super helpful. Oatmeal and bananas sound like safe starting points. Appreciate the “one at a time” warning - I probably would have made a giant salad day one! Did you find you had new permanent trigger foods after surgery?

      • James BrownEnglish
        1·
        8 months ago

        Yeah, everyone’s different. For me (with colostomy), things like mushrooms, corn, nuts, and raw leafy greens can cause issues if I eat too much or don’t chew well. You’ll learn your own tolerances over time. Keep a food journal!

        • SuzzyEnglish
          1·
          8 months ago

          Seconding the food journal! Invaluable for figuring out triggers post-surgery, especially with an ostomy but helpful even without. Also, stay super hydrated as you increase fiber!