Salad causing loose output - normal or concerning?

Do you folks out there in ostomy land have issues with salad? Is it normal for the pouch discharge to be loose when you eat lettuce, spinach or avocado and other fresh vegetables? I did not get a blockage from the salad greens but the output was pretty loose. It sure was nice to be able to eat a salad though. Thanks guys!

Hello Freedancer. Being a vegetarian, I eat salads regularly and have never had any problems with the veg's that you mention. However, there are things I avoid because I don't like them much or they don't like me! cucumber and onions are a couple of things in that bracket.

Best wishes

Bill

Freedancer, yes, output is usually loose from salads. It has to do with the water content in most fruits and veggies. There are those, however, that can cause blockage issues or thicken output. Fruits and veggies with seeds or thick skins (apples, grapes, berries, pineapples, even tomato skins, potato skins, and corn and spinach) can cause issues just like nuts if you have many adhesions or strictures or scar tissue. The smaller the passage, the more likely the problem. I have also found that the output is quicker to happen when I enjoy a salad. Just be aware and you should be fine.

Peace

Freedancer, my gastro doc said iceberg lettuce was fine in passing through because it is mostly water. Okay for tomatoes without skin, very thinly sliced seedless cucumbers.

I used to have lots of trouble with almost everything I ate. Then I started taking a loperamide (Imodium) pill with each meal. That works for me, but may not be necessary for you. The other thing I learned is that butter and oil cause problems, so now I don't put dressing on salads and I also ask for my food to be cooked without butter or oil.

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I was advised not to eat lettuce

Masticate - and all will be fine...

I have the same problem. I have a 2 1/2 year old colostomy, and have heard that one's bowels are never the same after bowel surgery. Boy, does that ever ring true for me! I find that too much fiber (I was a big fan of fiber before my surgery) goes right through me, and it could happen at any time, so it was difficult to be able to plan anything. I love to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, especially in the summer when they taste so good. So, I have experimented with Imodium. I find that a balance of fiber and Imodium works. You might have to experiment with how much Imodium works for you. For me, too much Imodium (6 - 8/day) makes me so groggy I can hardly function. Masticating your food won't help. All that does is break the food into smaller particles, which makes it easier to digest. Well, your body is telling you that digestion isn't the problem! Slowing down the digestion is what you need, and that is exactly what Imodium does. Good luck. Let us know if this works for you.

I have had my colostomy for 1 1/2 years now. I eat what I want, but stay away from nuts, seeds, and corn. Lettuce is not a problem (Iceberg). I am on Warfarin and Vitamin K is a no-no (most green veggies). My problem was not loose stools. My ostomy RN told me to take a stool softener 2xs a day. It is just learning what thickens and what thins, LOL. Also, make sure you chew your food well. And I am sure you know to drink lots of fluids. Good luck.

Stay away from Boston or Red Lettuce, my experience, Iceberg Lettuce is never a problem. Spinach binds like a root, terrible. Always try things one at a time. Put your usual two or three salad ingredients in, add a new one, and drink that water. We all know water is the key. Once I went on a cruise, didn't recognize a lot of the buffet, awesome eating, awesome problems, too many unknowns at once. Have an awesome time exploring.

Thank you!! So far, the only partial blockage I have had with New Maxine is cooked carrots. For some reason, they did not do well.

I have an ileostomy, and I notice for me, that iceberg moves very quickly and produces loose stool. I generally prefer heartier greens, such as spinach, romaine, kale, etc. I have no issues in terms of restrictions. I eat whatever I like, and all the same foods as I did many, many moons ago - pre-ostomy disease. The biggest change was discovering the hard way that I have to slice oranges rather than just peel and eat.

For me, it was just about learning how certain foods digest. Some things I simply won't eat unless I am in the comfort of my own home.