Ok, here's something else I have been wondering about. I hear a lot of you talking about foods you must avoid after take down. Did you have to avoid those foods before take down, with your illeostomy or was this something new after the procedure? For those of you who have been "taken down" for a while, do these food problems go away or are they usually permanent?
I really appreciate the advice I get here.

Al,

I had most sensitivity to different foods prior to takedown due to some food related blockages. Post-takedown I had one food related blockage from overeating about 3-4 weeks after takedown and none in the 16 years since. And then some temporary butt burn issues made worse by spicy/acidy foods.

I can eat anything now. All dietary issues I had were gone within the first few months after takedown when I got by the "butt burn" phase which lasted maybe a couple months at most.

I think foods to avoid after takedown are more on a person to person basis. I know things others say bother them, like fruits and certain veggies, don't have an effect on me. I had veggie tacos last night and had no issues. The thing that causes me a twinge of burn is an egg but nothing terrible so I still eat them.
After takedown, slowly incorporate foods into your diet. Try something, remember to chew well, if it causes burn or irritation wait a few weeks/months then try it again- it might be fine or you might decide it's something your system can't handle.
I think the foods to avoid with the ileo have to do with the fact it has to come out of the ostomy so you want to avoid certain blockage causing foods, like DBHusky said. (If you like spicy foods enjoy them with the ileo because you won't have to deal with butt burn.)
Best of luck!

I think Kar is right in that most food choices, whether with a temp ileostomy or your j-pouch, are highly individualistic. I don't recall not eating anything I wanted when I had my temp illeostomy and I've never refrained from eating anything in the near 14 years that I've had my j-pouch. I've made mental notes regarding how certain foods affect my digestion, frequency, or output, but outside of those parameters it's a free for all for me. I either avoid those "certain" foods or consume them in small amounts to minimize adverse effects. You may want to experiment with everything, but initially test small amounts to determine if it has any implications on your digestion, frequency, or output. You may want to keep a daily food journal during your assimilation period with your pouch. Doing so may help you to quickly pinpoint any problematic foods. As many others will also remind you, CHEW, CHEW, CHEW. Some individuals suggest drinking a lot of liquid with your meal. I refrain from doing this for digestive reasons, and only drink between meals. However, if it is a perceived necessary caution to prevent a blockage, do whatever you need to do.

There is definitely not a right or wrong answer. There are foods I could eat before that I can't now. There is also food I couldn't eat before that I can now. Some of the food problems may be permanent some are not. What I learned about eating is not to listen to anyone else. Obviously there is good advice here that has been very helpful. But sometimes people say to absolutely avoid something. Don't listen to that. We are all different and can tolerate different things. I eat ice cream, chocolate and tomato based products(spaghetti sauce,etc...) Some people can eat none of that. I occasionally have some beers. Some people can't. The point here is trial and error. Be brave and try and eat what you want to eat. Obviously when first trying something, take it easy. Just a little bit and see how it goes. If something doesn't agree with you, don't give up on it. Let some time go by and try again. As your pouch develops and your body adjusts to the new system, things can change. I made the mistake of avoiding things just because others couldn't eat it. I now eat some of those things with no problems. Once you are taken down for a time you'll have a regular diet that fits you after you've done all the trial and error stuff. Good luck!