Eating Well with a Stoma: Foods to Enjoy and Foods to Watch

There is no single “stoma diet”. Most people return to a varied, enjoyable diet — the key is reintroducing foods gradually and learning what suits your body.

Reintroduce foods slowly

In the first weeks after surgery, add new foods one at a time so you can see how each affects you. Chew thoroughly and eat at regular times — this aids digestion and helps you settle into a predictable routine.

Foods that may need watching

Some foods commonly cause wind (beans, onions, fizzy drinks), some can loosen output (spicy food, very sugary foods), and some firm it up (rice, bananas, pasta). High-fibre and stringy foods may need extra chewing, especially with an ileostomy. None of these are off-limits for everyone — notice your own patterns.

Keep it balanced

Aim for a varied diet with enough protein, energy, fruit and vegetables. If you are unsure about a particular food or your weight, a dietitian or stoma nurse can give tailored advice.