Hello Everyone!
I wanted to know everyone’s opinion’s on sugar. I personally try to stay away, but sometimes the cravings hit hard. Sugar doesn’t give me any pain really, just a bit of bloating and liquid stool for a day or two. Anyone go through the same thing? Also any good jpouch friendly dessert recipients? Everytime I eat sugar I feel this immense guilt. Is sugar really that dangerous every once in a while?
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There are some folks who are able to keep pouchitis at bay by strictly limiting sugar and other carbohydrates. Most J-pouchers, though, eat sugar pretty freely. I certainly do. Heck, even my psyllium (to thicken and bulk up the stool) has sugar in it. What are you doing to manage stool consistency?
Scott,
currently just going with Banana’s, Rice, Pasta, anything bland really. That seems to do the trick if I keep at it consistently for a day or two. Any tips you might have?
It’s not that you have to avoid sugar because it’s dangerous—the issue is that for many of us it causes watery stools. Or as Scott points out, for some folks limiting sugars and carbs can keep pouchitis at bay. If I don’t want to be running to the loo frequently (at work, out hiking with my family, or traveling for example) I steer clear of sugar. But believe me I can indulge with the best of them when I want a treat (ice cream! chocolate!). Everything in moderation. But when you’re trying to establish what works best for your jpouch, consuming desserts can muddy the water and make it harder to figure out what might be causing digestive issues. But this definitely isn’t about giving up chocolate for the rest of your life. No way!! Ultimately it’s about what you discover works best for you. We’re all different. Good luck with finding your own sweet spot! 
PS Regarding stool consistency, I put a teaspoon of Konsyl (unsweetened psyllium husk fiber) in my morning banana and oat milk smoothie which sets me up great for the day. There are lots of posts about the use of fiber supplements like Metamucil or Benefiber. Some of us also use loperamide or lomotil to slow things down. Check with your doctor first who can provide you with information about that. 😀
@Valen posted:Scott,
currently just going with Banana’s, Rice, Pasta, anything bland really. That seems to do the trick if I keep at it consistently for a day or two. Any tips you might have?
I have used psyllium fiber twice a day with good results for over 19 years. It’s entire purpose (for us) is to bulk up the stool. Not everybody likes it, but why not give it a try? I think some J-pouchers have significant food sensitivities, but for most of us an intentionally limited diet has little or no effect on our digestive health.
I rarely have diarrhea and eat sugar daily. I have had pouchitis but have been doing great the last few months.
