Hi all - I had my takedown almost three weeks ago and was wondering if there is anything specific I should avoid with my diet. I remember reading something that said to avoid mushrooms...is this just during the adaptation period (if at all)? So far I am beginning to expand my diet and feeling good, just want to avoid any pitfalls if possible. Thanks!
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I think mushroom avoidance is mostly for the ostomy, but some people do have trouble with them. I love mushrooms, but I have to remind myself to chew them well.
Don't be worried if fruits and vegetables look the same coming out as going in. That is totally normal and you still get your nutrition from them. But, early on especially, eat smaller quantities of fruits and vegetables (particularly raw). At first they may zip right through you, but this does you no damage. Concentrated sweets may increase diarrhea. Feel free to experiment as there really are no taboo foods.
Another trick is to avoid fluids with your meals, as they may speed up transit. Some sips are fine, but don't be slamming back glassfuls with your meal.
You'll soon learn what your tolerances are.
Jan 
If you name any food it will have given some people trouble. Mushrooms have never been an issue for me. There are no forbidden foods. Just try new foods in moderation and pay attention to how it goes.
I have avoided mushrooms at all costs my whole life. Just go slow; trial and error will be your best teacher as to what works for you.
Jeff
Great! Thanks so much for the replies 
Iv not had my pouch that long, but so far had no issues with mushrooms etc, as mentioned earlier I think that's more related to ostomies. Obviously things with a laxative effect like xylitol (sweetener) and caffeine could be problematic in larger quantities but even with these as with many aspects of J Pouches things are subjective and may affect you differently to another so try things slowly and you will soon gain your confidence back and learn what does/doesn't cause you issues.
HIgh fiber foods like pineapple and mushrooms are a no-no for k-pouchers who have to empty their pouches with a catheter (things get stuck and block the flute holes) but for most other pouchers those things are fine...in the begining I suggest to everyone to chew-chew and chew some more...it is good for digestion and just good sense.
People with adhesions that cause bowel blockages or stenosis (a narrowing) or twists also need to be careful about high fiber and chuncky foods (that might be what you have read)...But if you are normal then you should be fine.
Sharon
I never had issues with mushrooms til my outlet narrowed. I *did* have issues with a portobella in 2000; didn't chew well enough.
I had less issue with raw vs cooked: cooked = more rubbery and less able to breakdown. But again, that's now; for 20+ years, I avoided absolutely nothing.
I personally avoid them and my view is they are as pernicious as corn, but surely as others have said, not unlike the variability of med response, one could make the same case for food tolerances. I would still suggest if you are to try, to chew well and in moderation to see how it goes. my big regret is that mushrooms are an excellent source of potassium. I also now have strictures that I must contend with so if all your plumbing is without issue, perhaps mushrooms will be for you as well.
Like others have mentioned, it depends on the individual which foods he or she may or may not tolerate. Foods I initially learned to avoid at all costs like the plague: celery, large servings of baked beans, undercooked brussel sprouts, and raw fruit skins (like those covering apples or peaches).
The trick is to slowly introduce small quantities of new foods into your diet and see how they affect you. I'm happy to say that after 3.5 years with a JPouch I can pretty much eat whatever I want, within reason of course. I even venture to eat small portions of baked beans and brussel sprouts, raw salads with cucumbers, beets, shredded carrots and cabbage, kimchi, avacodos, habanero salsa, and other potentially dangerous foods for most pouchers. The key is balancing various foods together for the right consistency and making sure to eat several small meals throughout the day as opposed to eating large meals in single sittings.
Hi, I am 4 months post surgery. I can eat pretty much any food but as other s have mentioned foods like corn or mushrooms come out the same way they went in.
THe tips that have worked best for me are avoid drinking 30 minutes before or after meals, try to eat something biding with every meal and eat small quantities more times a day.
The foods that do bother me are pasta, chocolate, anything spicy and sometimes dairy. These foods hurt coming out. I also have to be careful with some vegetables and beans as the gas can be painful.
My biggest tip is try not to eat past 5pm or 6pm if you want a full nights sleep.
Good luck. I know sometimes I do become frustrated with the frequency.
Jan Dollar posted:I love mushrooms, but I have to remind myself to chew them well..."
This. I totally love them, but they are one of the few things that have consistently given me trouble.
Post take down, my surgeon told me, "I can't tell you what to eat because everyone is different. If you want to try something new that you suspect might cause problems, try it in a small amount. You'll know in a few hours if it's a problem. But if something is problematic, try it again in a few months and see how you do as the system changes."
It's been pretty solid advice, and I had a traditional New Year's Day lunch of collards and black eyed peas today. Fingers crossed, but so far all is well. A year ago, just a few months post takedown, I wouldn't have done it, but I felt it was worth trying today.
