Vegan Ostomates - Tips and Experiences with Fiber Challenges

Looking for other ostomates who are also vegan. Obviously, some challenges come with fiber. Who has experience, tips, etc.?

Hello Christine. 
I am not sure what the challenges are with regard to fibre. As I understand it, there is lots of fibre in fresh fruit and vegetables If not, then there are supplements like Fibogel, Metamucil and many more. These often come in powdered form to be mixed with liquid. I know this because it is what is recommended for older people when they become less active and are more likely to become constipated.
I have quite a number of years experience as a vegan, but don't feel I have very much to offer in the way of tips. I have simply eaten anything and everything that I like which doesn't involve  killing or abusing animals in any way.  Now, If it came to eating humans, then I might have to rethink my stance on veganism (just a joke) !
For me, the challenges come more in the way of keeping a balance of the various vitamins that may or may not be sufficient in a vegan diet. I 'manage' this by popping a few one-a-day pills of one sort or another. However, it is as well to keep an eye on any contra-indicators in this regard if you are taking prescribed medication or have medical conditions that might be affected adversely by plant-based supplements.
When I looked into it, I found that turmeric was one of those substances that I should be staying well clear of, but my wife has absolutely no problems with it.
If in doubt, I would suggest that you 'Google' whatever you're taking and add 'contra-indications'. This will give you a more precise understanding of what the 'experts' have to say about these things. 
There are also quite a few vegan recipe books appearing on the market, which can be quite enlightening for those who are just starting out on this vegan journey. As for having a stoma, I doubt whether being a vegan makes much difference but, as many have pointed out before on this site, it tends to be a matter of try it (whatever 'it' is) and see how you get on, as we are all different in the way we digest food, so what is okay for one person, may not be so for another. 

Best wishes

Bill. 

Bill, I am not sure I understand your response. If Christine has an ileostomy, vegetables with lots of insoluble fiber can be a concern. I am neither a vegan nor a vegetarian, so I cannot offer diet advice to Christine. But many vegetables can cause problems for many (not all) ileostomates. The only advice I would feel comfortable giving Christine is to try things in small doses to start and supplement with protein and psyllium supplements. If she has an ileostomy, that is. No firsthand experience here with a colostomy, if that is what she has. But colostomies are more forgiving of insoluble fiber, if I understand things correctly.

Daniel

Hi Christine, There is a wonderful website at veganostomy.ca. It is run by an ostomate who is also a vegan, and it's an online forum much like this one. He is also a Canadian! There is a ton of information there specific to ostomates who are vegan. Lots of recipes and stuff. It's a great source of info for ostomates whether they are vegan or not. Metamucil is simply psyllium fiber and has no nutritional value other than sugar. If you want to add fiber to your diet, whether it's water-soluble or not, I would suggest adding whole grains and lots of vegetables and/or beans. The key to finding out whether you will tolerate them with an ileostomy is to try a small amount at a time and chew really well, and I mean really well, until it's just mush in your mouth. Also, keep well hydrated. If you can't break something down well in your mouth, like fibrous pineapple for instance, just spit that part out. I have an ileo and can eat anything, but I am careful about chewing things like crazy and washing things down with lots of liquids.

Terry

What Terry said 👍

Staying Hydrated with an Ostomy with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister

In the light of your post, I am now not so sure if I understand my response about fibre.
Unfortunately, I made the mistake of making an assumption that the 'challenges' referred to were concerning lack of fibre (which is what I need to be careful about), whereas (now you point it out) I now realise that it could also mean too much fibre. 
I usually try to avoid making assumptions but on this occasion, it seems that I have fallen into this trap, for which I sincerely apologise.
Best wishes

Bill

😀

Yes, I have an ileostomy and have to be cautious with fiber due to appliance issues. I'd love to be able to enjoy big salads and lots of veggies, but just can't. I'm curious how other people with ileostomies fare being vegan.

Remember there are differences between soluble and insoluble fiber. It is always a good idea to speak to a registered dietitian who specializes in ostomies (good luck in finding one). Also, due to our difficulties with absorption, I would hesitate to begin any supplements without first having levels tested by one's doctor. Here in the USA, without any oversight, supplements have become somewhat of the Wild West. Just because “they” say, or the manufacturer says, or Dr. Google says, does not mean the supplement contains what it says it does. There is truth that one can have too much of a good thing, turning into a bad thing. Always best to get what you can from food, adding 1/4 cup of each new food per day, one at a time, and noting any side effects. And of course, be on the ostomy train and chew, chew, chew. Good luck.

Also, I make a puréed vegetable soup with broth, peeled carrots and sweet potatoes, handfuls of spinach, and warmed spices sautéed in olive oil with onion and salt. I pressure cook this in an Instant Pot for 15 minutes, then natural release. I use an immersion blender to purée. Only one pot to wash. I use a balsamic glaze to finish when in the bowl. This has done wonders for my vitamin and mineral levels when I have them tested.

I'm a vegan as well and came to this thread looking for exactly this kind of info. Thanks for posting! I already enjoy a couple of soup recipes that have potato mixed with vegetables that are listed as no-no's for people with ileostomies, but I was wondering if the fact that the veggies are puréed would make it okay. Obviously, I'll both talk to my nutritionist from the hospital and try everything new in tiny amounts at first, but I'm super glad to hear that others are doing exactly that.

Question though: In the interest of increasing overall nutrition in a vegan diet, has anyone researched and/or just tried juicing veggies that would otherwise be off-limits? Like maybe a carrot and kale drink?