Ballooning and Air Travel Concerns After Ileostomy

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465
osthelp
Feb 12, 2024 8:57 pm

I had my ileostomy five months ago. I am eating pretty much the same diet as before, not sure about trying new foods yet. My diet is pretty bland and has no gas-producing food. I am having a lot of ballooning and do release air, but it comes back again. All my family is out of state, so I am concerned about this when flying. Thanks.

aTraveler
Feb 12, 2024 9:14 pm

Carbonated beverages, drinking through straws, and not eating regularly can cause gas. Five or six small meals instead of three big meals.

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Riva
Feb 12, 2024 11:30 pm

Flying - do you wear a one or two-piece?

 

AlexT
Feb 13, 2024 7:05 am

Something is causing the air. 🤷‍♂️

Justbreathe
Feb 13, 2024 12:09 pm

Milk and milk products, although a great hydrator, cause cow-sized gas in the ole bag reservoir… Alex is correct. You probably need to monitor, for a while, what goes in and what comes out.

 

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IGGIE
Feb 13, 2024 1:22 pm

G-Day Osthelp, If it does balloon on the plane, just go to the toilet and burp it out. But check what you're eating beforehand and you might eliminate it before you go. Regards, IGGIE

ron in mich
Feb 13, 2024 2:27 pm

Hi Osto, the last couple of times I flew, I ate some of those PB crackers that you get 6 in a package. I think they were Keebler brand and had no ballooning of the pouch.

Mysterious Mose
Feb 13, 2024 4:48 pm

Try to abstain from eating things that produce gas. Milk products, anything with corn, using a straw, etc. And get up and use the restroom to burp your attachment. I did not follow the abstention part on my return flight from London last week. I am sure the woman seated next to me wondered why that old coot was going to the loo so often. :-)

Of course, the biggest problem with extended flights for ileostomates is having to empty the bag in cramped corners with tiny toilet seats. Oh joy! The absolute worst for me are those damned motion-sensitive flushers. I empty my bag by first scooting up towards the back of the seat. Gotta get way back there on a plane toilet due to the seats being round and small. That constantly triggers the flusher. The first time it happened to me, the bag was open and I had just poured water into it. Then F-L-U-S-H! I almost lost control of the tail which would not have been nice for me or the flight crew. 😂

Daniel

AlexT
Feb 13, 2024 10:37 pm
Reply to Justbreathe

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Justbreathe
Feb 14, 2024 12:14 pm
Reply to AlexT

Yes!!! Milk… you drink it and all too soon - you will be a cow balloon!!! But… you will be hydrated 🥛! jb