Watery Output in the Morning - Normal??

I had my ileostomy surgery about a month and a half ago, and for the most part, everything has been smooth with my ostomy and output. But every morning for the first few hours, my output is very thin and mucousy. I don't drink caffeine, and for breakfast, I usually try to eat bread or something to thicken the output. Is this normal for anyone else?

You have a lot of changes going to happen since you're in the beginning of your healing. Everybody's body is different, and how their body handles the healing. Everyone is trial and error; there will be things that some can do, but you can't. Just remember to try in small amounts. Don't overdo anything. Oh yeah, the only thing normal is the cycle on the washing machine.

Sounds normal for the time of day… Are you able to eat anything that thickens a little more… something oat-based (oatmeal, Cheerios), banana, potato? How do you do with dairy?

My output in the morning is always watery! And the bag can fill up fast! I have a pill I have to take in the morning. I have started to wait until I get to the office to take it, thinking perhaps the water and Benefiber were causing me to fill up on the way to work. But nope, it does not matter the day of the week, I am all liquid in the morning! I just deal with it. Actually, it is easier to expel the liquid than the mushy stuff.

Dairy has been fine for me, and I feel like I've tried multiple thickening foods for breakfast (bread, applesauce, peanut butter mostly), but the watery output seems to happen regardless. I haven't tried oatmeal yet, so that will be my next step, I guess 🤷🏻‍♀️

Stories of Living Life to the Fullest from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

I unfortunately have a second lumen at the top of my stoma, so when my output is watery, I'm extra likely to have a leak 🥲 but I have learned that sometimes when I drink a little Imodium before bed, it can help prevent the watery stool. I just don't want to drink it every night.

How do you feel about Rice Krispies treats for breakfast? I feel like the homemade type could be slightly better for you than the premade, but diet is very individual. Don't worry, there are others with (hopefully) more food suggestions than me. Cheeseburgers have become their own food group to me, and I can't tolerate high fiber. My dietician has me keep animal crackers with me (my family is super jealous of my diet). Not sure of the reasons for your ileostomy, so you may or may not have worked with a dietician?

Agreed with Stoma is going through changes, and it is going through changes and will continue to do so for a while before you get to a normal. It is adapting and so is your body. In the meantime, take it slow with food. Your stoma swelling just went down, and your body and stoma have to acclimate to foods all over. In time, you will find out what you can and can't eat. Everybody's body and stoma are different when it comes to eating different foods.

Probably totally normal, but no harm in asking your nurse. I have had the same and asked many, many questions. I hope your life is improved with your ostomy!

I just found out there is a packet that you can put in your bag that turns output into a gel. My supply angel told me about it. Might look into that.

It's normal. The first few hours in the morning are liquidy, yes. It thickens up as the day goes on.

That happens to me too, and I've had my ileostomy for almost two years. It's just fluids that build up in your body. You could ask your surgeon, but to me, it's normal.

My Mayo Dr's told me that you want an oatmeal consistency in your output if possible at all times. I have not achieved that yet. Metamucil is better than Benefiber for me, and I take 2 heaping teaspoonfuls 4 t.d.