Hi.....

I was wondering what vegetables those with an ostomy can eat without problems?
I'd like to increase my vegetable intake
and would like to know what's most
tolerable...my ET nurse said I can
eat any of them, but be most careful with
celery, cole slaw, cabbage and sprouts.
I know we are all different, but
any experiences would be appreciated!

Also,which would be best,Oatmeal or
Cream of Wheat for cereal?? White or Wheat
for breads? I'm up to trying something different, just not sure what!!
Thanks....
Char...

Hi Char,

We are all different and so I would just suggest you try a small portion first and see how you go. I have trouble with any stringy or fibrous foods such as celery or green beans and whole grains. However, I can eat salads such as iceberg lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes etc and don't have any problems with mushrooms or sweetcorn, but can't eat a lot of petit pois peas. I'm fine with most cooked root vegetables such as potatoes (with skin) carrots, swede and partnips. As for leafy vegetables, I can eat well cooked white cabbage but not spinach. I'm fine with cauliflower (even cooked lightly) but get blocked up with broccoli.

I'd suggest keeping a food diary and be aware that what may give you problems now may not in say 6 months. See? It's all trial and error.

Good luck.

Shell

Hmmm, as Shell said, everyone is different. While she has problems with celery and green beans, I can eat them with no problem. The one thing I always avoid is MUSHROOMS. I have had a few partial blockages from them. I eat lots of salad and use all different kinds of lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, peppers (no green), onions, carrots. I also eat broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts. As long as I chew, I have been able to tolerate most vegetables. I do however, occasionally get a problem if I have too much cooked spinach.

I second Shell. Eat a small amount first. Good luck!

Oops, forgot the other questions. I eat both oatmeal and cream of wheat, although find the second to digest a little easier. No big deal though with the oatmeal as long as you chew.
I don't eat white bread so I really couldn't say in regards to bread, but I don't have any problems with wheat, including a more rough cut. Others might have different experiences. I must add that my ostomy is permanent and also over four years old. I didn't have as much luck with the temporary loop in 1996.

Shell and Judithns.....
thanks for telling me your experiences.I know we are all different and what bothers one may not bother the other...I was just curious of things that anyone has tried and things I should really stay away from!

I can't imagine eating a salad.!!Wow,cucumber and tomatoes.....do you have any problems with the seeds in these???

Judithns: Doesn't the broccoli and cauliflower cause a lot of gas? Also you mentioned that you didn't have as much luck with your temp.loop ileo..do you mean that as far as 'foods' go?
Thanks again....
Char

Char, the secret with any food is to chew chew chew and drink plenty of fluids. I can even eat a small amount of cashew nuts with no problem as long as I chew them to oblivion. Salads are great for me, the only problem I have is that the resulting "floaters" just refuse to flush! I can eat most tomatoes except if they have a particularly tough skin and I eat coleslaw, sweetcorn, sweet peppers and cucumbers in my salads with no problem. I'm not so good with frizzey or radiccio lettuce because they are a little on the tough side, and celery is too stringy for me. I will eat raw carrots and swede (chewed really well) but everything in moderation.

Good luck and bon appetite.

Shell

Char, I do not seem to have any problems with the seeds in the cucumbers or tomatoes. I even eat almonds without a problem, but I have a pretty "mature" ostomy. As it's my lifelong buddy now, I got to the point where I wasn't going to give up things forever (except mushrooms as I've learned my lesson). If my ostomy were temporary, I'd probably not be so brazen, as I'd realize I can give up things for a short time.
Yes, the broccoli and cauliflower cause some gas, but not a unmanageable level for me.
Yes, on the last question too. I didn't have as much ease eating "questionable" foods with my loop. I was also less apt to try them, although a bunch of asparagus did send me to the ER for a blockage which resolved after bowel rest and iv fluids.
Experiment slowly and with small amounts. Your body will let you know if you can't tolerate a certain food.