Hi, I’m Ciera, I have been a Crohn’s survivor since January 2018, and I’ve had an ileostomy since December 2020. Through my journey with medications, hospital stays, and surgeries, I’ve learned that my story is far from over. I wouldn’t be where I am in my healing journey today if it wasn’t for the community of ostomates who’ve selflessly shared their stories to help others and remind each other that we’re NOT alone.
Now that I’m at a point in my healing journey where I’m learning to love food again, I’d like to share some tips of what I’ve learned!
I just had surgery, now what?
Always discuss with your care team which direction to take when it comes to diet. Everyone’s diet is different, and we all have different trigger foods, allergies, & sensitivities. Be your own advocate. You know your body best. Never hesitate to ask questions and do your own research. Food is meant to fuel us and there are ENDLESS diet options to help LEVATE our health and ability to USE the food we consume.
The best advice I received pre-ileostomy surgery was from my ostomy nurse
- “If you love a certain food - try it!”
Try just a tiny bit, evaluate how you feel, and next time try a little more. With this advice, I’ve eaten some of my favorite foods and meals that I thought I’d have to leave behind forever!
What works for Jim… Might not work for Joe!
Some people swear by a plant-based diet, and that might help them feel their best self! In 2020, I was advised to leave all meat behind. I was already incredibly sick, but I gave it a shot. Three weeks passed, and I felt worse than ever before. Through research and medical supervision, I modified my diet to include meat again. I continue to eat like this to this day and I have never felt better!
Time to experiment!
When it comes to having an ostomy, the way your body processes food will change, the amount of food you consume may change, and your day-to-day meals may look completely different. It’s important to note that food and your ostomy work TOGETHER, but it can still be unpredictable. Early on, you may want to pay attention to when you eat… and when you go. This way, over time it’ll become second nature to know that when you eat foods A, B, or C, you may need to be more prepared for a change, higher gas, higher output etc. It may be a learning curve, but it will help you in the long run!
Relearning to LIVE!
Many of us that have had to come to terms with an ostomy may have had many traumas with food or going out beforehand. Understandably so! Once you’ve adjusted to your pouching system, and you’re comfortable with doing pouch changes and other things independently, it’s helpful to know: What are my safe foods? What foods should I avoid? Can I consume alcohol, and if so, which kinds are okay? Discovering what helps you live with the least amount of stress is KEY!
I know it’s “bad for me” but I really love ___________.
The reality is, we all have our guilty pleasure foods. Whether it’s fast food or just junk food, we all have our past time favorites that we may have had to give up at some point in our healing journey. Coming from someone who has tried cutting out everything “bad”… it’s all about BALANCE. Find balance in your diet. Without restrictions, without harming your mental or physical health, find balance and remember how hard your body has fought to get to where you are now!
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
- 3 c. cooked rice (about 1 c. uncooked)
- 1 (16 oz.) package frozen broccoli florets chopped finely
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can of cream of chicken soup
- ½ c. milk
- 1 tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. black pepper
- ¼ tsp. garlic powder
- ¼ tsp. paprika
- 2 c. shredded mild or medium cheddar cheese, divided
- Thaw broccoli and warm broccoli in the microwave for about 5 minutes; drain very well. Cut any large florets into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, combine warm cooked rice, onion, cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar. Stir together until well mixed. Fold in broccoli.
- Spoon into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake at 350° for 35 - 40 minutes until bubbly and cheese is just beginning to get some golden-brown spots.
Note from Ciera: I’ve found that with vegetables that give me trouble processing, chopping them finely and cooking for a few extra minutes helps and doesn’t give me any issues!
Garlic Steak Bites & Golden Potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter divided
- 1 pound of Yukon gold potatoes sliced about ½ inch in thickness
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme chopped
- 1 teaspoon rosemary chopped
- 1 teaspoon oregano chopped
- 1 ¼ pounds sirloin steaks cut into 1-inch cubes
- salt and pepper
- Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat and add olive oil and butter, potatoes, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and oregano. Cook for about 3 minutes, stir, and cook and additional 3 minutes until fork tender. Remove and set aside on a plate.
- Turn the skillet to high heat. Add the 1 tablespoon butter and steak bites. Let the steak sear for a minute and
then continue to stir the steak until they are golden brown. - Top the steak with fresh chopped herbs of choice.
Note from Ciera: Since adding meat into my diet, I’ve had higher levels of iron, stayed full longer, and I have less output after meals. I feel better when I eat 1-2 red meat meals a day.
Ciera has received compensation from Coloplast to provide this information. Each person’s situation is unique so your experience may not be the same. You should rely on the healthcare professional who knows your individual history for personal medical advice and diagnosis. Call your healthcare provider if you have any medical concerns about managing your ostomy.
