How to Lose Weight with an Ostomy (6 Steps)

Living with an ostomy brings challenges, and managing your weight can be one of them. Whether you’re looking to shed a few pounds for health reasons or want to feel more comfortable in your body, this guide is here to help.

Understanding Weight Management with an Ostomy

Before diving into weight loss strategies, it’s important to understand how having an ostomy can affect your body and your relationship with food. An ostomy, whether a colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy, can impact your digestive system and nutrient absorption.

For this reason, it’s important to listen to your body and check with a healthcare professional before starting a new diet or exercise regimen. After all, your weight-loss approach must be tailored to your specific situation for the best results.

How to Lose Weight with an Ostomy

Losing weight with an ostomy requires a balanced approach to getting enough nutrition while creating a calorie deficit. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Focus on Nutrient-Dense Foods

Choose foods that pack a nutritional punch without excessive calories. Good options include:

• Lean proteins (chicken, fish, tofu)
• Fruits and vegetables (Avoid dried fruit and raw vegetables. Be mindful of any that may cause blockages)
• Low-fat dairy or dairy alternatives

2. Stay Hydrated

Proper hydration is crucial for ostomy patients, especially those with ileostomies. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water daily, adjusting based on your output.

3. Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals

This can help manage hunger and prevent overloading your system. Aim for 5-6 small meals throughout the day instead of 3 large ones.

4. Core Strengthening Exercises

Gentle exercises like modified planks or seated ab crunches can help tone your abdominal muscles. Otherwise, a daily exercise habit like walking or biking for 30+ minutes daily will make a difference in the long run.

5. Manage Stress

High-stress levels can contribute to belly fat. Try stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga. Regular exercise can help in this department, too.

6. Get Enough Sleep

Lack of sleep can disrupt hormones that regulate hunger and metabolism. It can also throw off the other points listed above, leading to more stress, dehydration, less energy for exercise, etc.

Foods to Thicken Stool for Ileostomy

When trying to lose weight, you might find your output becomes looser. Here are some foods that can help thicken stool:

• Bananas
• White rice
• Applesauce
• Marshmallows (in moderation)
• Pasta
• White bread
• Potatoes (without skin)

These foods can be used in moderation to help manage your output while supporting your weight loss goals.

Foods Not to Eat with an Ileostomy

While everyone’s tolerances are different, some foods commonly cause issues for people with ileostomies:

• High-fiber vegetables like corn, celery, and raw vegetables
• Nuts and seeds
• Popcorn
• Mushrooms
• Dried fruits
• Spicy foods
• Carbonated beverages

Remember, this list is not exhaustive; you may find you can tolerate some of these foods.

How Long Does it Take to Digest Food with an Ileostomy?

With an ileostomy, food takes about 4-6 hours to digest and appear in your ostomy bag. However, this depends on what you’ve eaten and your digestive system.

Understanding digestion time can help you plan meals and manage your weight loss efforts. For example, you might find that eating smaller, more frequent meals helps regulate your output and keeps you feeling satisfied throughout the day.

Does Having an Ileostomy Make You More Hungry?

Many people with ileostomies report feeling hungrier than they did before their surgery. There can be several reasons for this:

1. Reduced nutrient absorption: Your body may not absorb nutrients as efficiently. This could trigger hunger signals sooner.
2. Changes in hormone levels: Surgery can affect hormones that regulate hunger.
3. Psychological factors: The stress of adjusting to life with an ostomy can sometimes lead to increased appetite.

If you’re experiencing increased hunger, don’t worry – this is normal. Finding healthy ways to manage your appetite while getting the necessary nutrients is key.

What is the Best Exercise with an Ostomy?

We mentioned exercise earlier, but providing more detail on that subject makes sense. After all, choosing safe and comfortable activities with an ostomy is important.

Here are some options to consider:

1. Walking: A low-impact activity that’s easy to start and gradually increase.
2. Swimming: Once your incision has fully healed, swimming is an excellent full-body workout.
3. Yoga: Gentle yoga can improve flexibility, strengthen your core, and reduce stress.
4. Cycling: Outside or on a stationary bike, cycling is a great cardiovascular exercise.
5. Resistance training: Light weight lifting can help build muscle and boost metabolism.

It’s best to start slow and pay attention to how your body reacts. Check to make sure you have the proper ostomy supplies before getting started. It’s a good idea to consult your doctor or physical therapist before starting a new exercise routine.

Conclusion

With the right approach, you can achieve your weight loss goals and continue living a full, active life. You’ll get there with the right information, a positive attitude, and some sticktoitiveness. It’s all about creating healthy habits over a long period of time. So be patient, find a routine that works for you, and set your daily goals!