I'd like to get some input on breaking away from the "American diet" of bread, pasta, etc, from J-pouchers. Due to family history, I'm concerned about my future. Aside from the J-pouch, I'm fairly "healthy," early 30's, but major problems with strictures/fistula/emptying, etc, have me boxed in on diet. I've tried South Beach, Mediterranean, Asian, etc, in pursuit of breaking away from the heart/blood pressure issues, cancer, etc, that seem to plague this country but certainly not all others. I'm a descendent of a man who had major stroke/heart/bp issues by 50, and then for all the rest of his life.
Things I definitely can't eat regularly, because passing them is a misery:
whole wheat/grains/pasta/rice/bread, vegetables (soft greens beans are exceptions), fruits (again, a few exceptions like soft pears), nuts, multigrain crackers, any ground meat, potatoes.
So, what can I eat? Not much. Fish is great, chicken/turkey, almost all dairy, and--of course--white bread/crackers, cookies, cake, donuts, pizza, ice cream, pancakes, etc. The latter are definitely not ideal, but I feel by far the best eating them. South Beach, overall, makes me feel the best/emptiest, but it tends to also increase leakage quite a bit. I've taken a hard look at Asian diets, and believe there might not be a better way for me to change my life than to eat that way. I'm so far not even sure if white rice will work out okay, as it can also be difficult for me to handle. It's frustrating that I seem to not be able to eat a healthy diet without feeling awful all day/night.
You can see how limited I am. In the short-term, I want to eat "American," because I feel so much better/emptier that way, but in the long-term, I'm worried that I may end up in the hospital on a regular basis by 50, or earlier. Any thoughts/experiences/resources from any of you that might be helpful would be hugely appreciated, including any foods I may be overlooking.
-Dan
Things I definitely can't eat regularly, because passing them is a misery:
whole wheat/grains/pasta/rice/bread, vegetables (soft greens beans are exceptions), fruits (again, a few exceptions like soft pears), nuts, multigrain crackers, any ground meat, potatoes.
So, what can I eat? Not much. Fish is great, chicken/turkey, almost all dairy, and--of course--white bread/crackers, cookies, cake, donuts, pizza, ice cream, pancakes, etc. The latter are definitely not ideal, but I feel by far the best eating them. South Beach, overall, makes me feel the best/emptiest, but it tends to also increase leakage quite a bit. I've taken a hard look at Asian diets, and believe there might not be a better way for me to change my life than to eat that way. I'm so far not even sure if white rice will work out okay, as it can also be difficult for me to handle. It's frustrating that I seem to not be able to eat a healthy diet without feeling awful all day/night.
You can see how limited I am. In the short-term, I want to eat "American," because I feel so much better/emptier that way, but in the long-term, I'm worried that I may end up in the hospital on a regular basis by 50, or earlier. Any thoughts/experiences/resources from any of you that might be helpful would be hugely appreciated, including any foods I may be overlooking.
-Dan
