Watery Output After Breakfast with Ileostomy - Seeking Advice

Good morning. I've had my ileostomy for 2 months. Things are normalizing for me with the exception of the morning meal. I take 2 Loperamide before meals and 2 at bedtime. I'm okay all day as long as I eat the right foods, but no matter what I do, my bag fills with loose water consistency after breakfast. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks so much!

Are you drinking before, during, or right after eating?

Hello,

I do not drink for 1 hour before or after eating. Just a sip to take my Loperamide (Imodium).

Thanks for replying. I'm all ears if you have any other suggestions.

I am not sure I understand your concern… I think ileostomies are notorious for watery output - that is almost always the case for me - 3-year pooper trooper now. First thing in the morning, I must have my cup of coffee - within an hour it is coffee in, then coffee out - the only thing I notice is the creamer is gone and it has returned to black coffee once again.

A long time ago, my surgeon told me ideally output should be the consistency of oatmeal - however, experience has shown me "ideally" is not in the cards for me. Hmm, I wonder if there is a place to buy ideally… just joshing. The only time oatmeal consistency happens is when I eat foods like oatmeal, potatoes, toast, bananas, etc., and a morning smoothie.
But not to fear - normalcy will be here; it just takes time and adjustment AND good advice from all the troopers on this website - ask me how I know… jb

I often get watery output after breakfast. But then, I eat cereal and soy milk. It helps to eat a banana with my cereal. I don't mind watery output. It makes it easier to empty and rinse the bag. I've had my ileostomy for 10 months and can attest to what Justbreathe said.

Daniel

How to Manage Ostomy Leaks with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister

Maybe you should consider what you eat for breakfast. If you eat bread or toast, that can help thicken your output. Even peanut butter on toast. Hopefully, you are avoiding caffeine as that can lead to watery stool. Also, you are early on in your recovery, so it may take a little time for things to settle down. I am 6 and a half months out from my second ostomy surgery and sometimes I still have really watery episodes or days. Ileostomies notoriously do not produce thick or firm output. But there are ways you can thicken up your output. Foods you can eat and taking your Imodium. Hang in there.

Lee