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.
I remember being so happy to eat salad again! Started with small side salads, simple vinaigrette. Also found cooked spinach, green beans (well-cooked initially) were okay early on. Listen to your body! If something causes gas/pain, back off and try again later.
Ooh cooked spinach sounds good. Thanks Sarah. How long did it take you to feel like you could eat mostly ‘normally’ again? Still dealing with fatigue here too.
Bowel-wise, maybe a couple of months of careful reintroduction to feel mostly normal, though still have occasional weird days. Energy-wise… still working on that 6 months out! It takes time.
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!
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?
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!
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!
