Can You Be a Vegetarian with an Ostomy?

Before I got sick, and before I got my ileostomy, I was a vegetarian, and a vegan at one point. I am used to eating meat now just so that I can get the protein I need, because I realized everything non-meat with a lot of protein also has a lot of fiber, and that's no good. So I was wondering if anyone is or knows anyone who successfully is a vegetarian with an ostomy. And if so, any tips?

Hi Jelly, Gee, there is a lot of stuff like yogurt, rice, sweet potatoes with no skin, baked potatoes with no skin, almost all veggies except celery, tomatoes, and corn (corn just doesn't process with no colon).

Hi Jelly, I don't eat a lot of meat, only chicken and fish, so I can't say I'm a veggie, but there are a lot of things I do try such as soy meat, and I cook my veggies well. It's trial and error really, but I don't see any reasons why you can't still be a vegetarian, as long as you're careful not to eat stuff that can block the bowel, i.e., corn. I juice a lot of veggies with fruit, so that's how I get around it. Good luck anyway, keep us updated on how you get on. Take care, ambies.

Do you eat fish? It is easier on your system than meat for protein, as well as cheese and yogurt. It depends on what your basic problem was. If you eat nuts, make sure you chew them up into tiny pieces. I have found that I crave sunflower seeds, so I chew them up really well with my cereal. Certain foods eaten together will give you the protein you need and cancel out the gas, if that is your problem.

Hello Jelly, I have been a vegetarian for many years and it did not occur to me that I should change my ways or philosophy simply because of an ostomy. For me there does not appear to have been any noticeable difference in the before and after effects of an ostomy with regard to not eating meat. However, the ostomy has allowed me to eat many things that I could not eat before so perhaps some sort of balance has been achieved. Best wishesBill

Getting Support in the Ostomy Community with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister

I tried becoming vegan and did so for a full year, but I was still so anemic that it was actually not good for me—so I had to go back to eating meat.

Hi Jelly...I'm vegan and get my protein by eating nuts and seeds, which I soak overnight. Soaking makes it easier for my digestive system. I also eat tofu and soya. The best thing I ever did was cut all dairy products from my diet. I feel much better and have more energy. I don't miss animal products and don't really appreciate the smell of meat now. I tried to go raw, but I couldn't do it in the winter. I really miss something hot on a cold winter's night, even if it's just a bowl of soup. I've really enjoyed experimenting with new recipes and different foods. I wish you luck! T...

After reading some of the remarks from nearly all the guys on this site, all I can say is... guys, you've been at sea too long. Come back to dry land for a while... and please stop dribbling.

Hello all! Thanks for all the help :) Lately, I've been sticking with just fish, so I will see if that cuts it.