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Starting Life with a new J-Pouch

Thu, March 22, 2012 4:50 PM

Howdy Gang-

I'm about 4 weeks out from my final surgery - minus one colon and plus one J-pouch. I'd love to hear any and all encouraging comments from J Pouchers out there telling me that things normalize soon (sleep/countenance/bulked stools), but what I'm specifically interested in are diet tips that have worked for folks in slowing down and bulking stools. I'm trying to develop a core set of baseline meal plans from which I can then expand.

I'm doing alright overall so far, but am trying to make the transition from 15 bathroom trips a day to the 6-8 trips as advertised. I need to bulk. Currently taking an anti diarrhetic and metamucil after each meal. Its working......but I need to improve on this formula.

I'll also be past the 6-week recovery milestone soon, and look forward to getting back in physical shape. Any experiences/warnings/successes in this area would be helpful as well. I'm mid-30's and haven't been physically active for a few years due to the UC etc. Thanks!

Randy

rtl331
Joined May 25, 2011

Sat, March 24, 2012 9:25 PM

Reply posted for RTL331.

The old standby's help-rice, bananas, applesauce... I threw in Triscuits as well. I have seen posts elsewhere recommending Metamusil...fiber bars.....

I have struggled with bulking up my stool versus not. There are times when I bulk up and have lots of bms with little output, versus little bulking and going a high number of times to bathroom with no problems.

Several years out, that coin is still up in the air.

But in planning your diet, flexibility will be key. Sometimes something will give you a bad day, but three months later will have no effect on you. So focus long term.

Maybe keep a food diary to help you rely on facts and not your memory in tracking down what effect something has on you.

jeffdc
Joined Aug 25, 2008

Fri, March 23, 2012 10:30 AM

Reply posted for RTL331.

Hello,
I hope things get better for you soon. I have my final surgery on 5/3. My Doc told me it would take about a month to slow down but something tells me it's going to be longer then that. It's funny i kind of gotten use to the bag and the freedom of not having to go to the bathroom 17 times a day and going back to that even if it is for a couple of months is scary... Best of Luck and I hope things slow up soon. Keep me posted and feel free to give me any tips. Looking forward to a normal life soon.

Scott

scott01
Joined Dec 1, 2011

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