So I'm going to reply to my own thread, but a week into post-takedown and I still can't figure out what foods make things worse or better.

I have seemed to see this though; I can eat a few small donuts, or toast and sausage for breakfast, and never have an urge to go until after lunch. Then, after that, the floodgates open for a bit. I'll eat as early as I possibly can in the evening (5 or 6), and not have but one BM until midnight. After midnight, nothing makes sense. Last night, I was up from 2-5am going nonstop. What am I doing wrong in these cases? Is there foods that are absolute No-Nos that I should be aware of other than raw fruits and veggies?

Again, I know this is early, but I wish I had more control.

Thanks for any help!

Be patient with yourself. Protect your butt with a barrier cream like zinc oxide (after every BM). Help the pouch mature by holding it in a bit, at least when it's safe to do so. And maybe you have some problem foods, but maybe your diet has little or nothing to do with what you're experiencing. 

 

Were you advised to use Imodium or Lomotil at bedtime (or at all)? How about a thickener, like Metamucil or Citrucel?

 

Good luck. You'll most likely be fine over time. When folks told you this is a difficult surgery, this is what they meant. I took six weeks off work, and I needed most of that time.

Thanks Scott! Yes, I'm taking anti-diarrhea before meals and two before bed. I get conflicting advice on bulking agents, what's your advice?

The butt burn is a real pain in the ass (pun intended). I just purchased a bidet, I can't wait to install it.

I'm a chemical rep, so my work isn't physically tough, but I'm in the car alot and love a good 32oz Diet Coke. I'm scared to death to even attempt to drink one right now, lol.

I'm taking 3 weeks off, maybe more if needed. I never thought it would be this hard. But, I have a great surgeon and I realize it's going to take time. I just need all the advice I can get!

Hello and welcome.
Lots of good people here and lots of advice.
For thickening and butt burn I use questran.
It's not perfect but as for a thickener it helps and my burn has virtually disappeared.  And it was bad.  I was pulling my hair out while having a bm.  Flaming for days and it stopped with the first dose.
Hope that would help you.  It's almost 5 am and I am having urge problems so I just got up and ate some toast.  For some reason it helps me.  Probably would not help you.  Everyone's quirks are different.
Good luck.

The best advice I can give about thickeners/bulking agents is to experiment to find out what works best for you, Try more than one, try different amounts, and try none as one of the amounts. Then remember that things will change, and you may have to tinker to get the best results. I wouldn't start with Questran (there's a reason it's prescription-only), though I'm glad it's available when nothing else works.

 

I started with Metamucil as soon as I left the hospital, and psyllium (in one form or another) has been my constant companion for years. I take a full dose in plenty of water twice daily (with breakfast and dinner). Some people get gassy from Metamucil, and some people just don't need it.

Thanks Scott for clarifying that. 
Rather important because it is a prescription.
And that's a good way to put it.
Tinker and keep track.
Great advice.