From a nutritional point of view there are a number of very important things to look out for when you have had a stoma reversal. Firstly at any sign of abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting for more than two hours you must contact your GP as this could be a blockage. If your bowel does tend to block, make sure your diet has plenty of fruit and vegetables as suggested by the Australian guide for healthy eating. This means up to five serves of vegetables and two of fruit daily. Drink plenty of water, at least two litres a day and avoid white bread and white rice as this could cause blockages.
Some people have the reverse problem they may have very loose bowel movements until the bowel settles after surgery. If this is the case then it is wise to follow a low fibre/low residue diet. This is essentially the opposite of the high fibre diet. Therefore white rice and white bread are very useful, limit fruit and vegetables to low fibre vegetables. Bowel habits tend to settle after a number of months, then you can return to your normal diet.
Kind Regards
The team at Bowel Cancer Australia
www.bowelcanceraustralia.org
Please Note: The information provided by Bowel Cancer Australia’s Nurse and Nutritionist Advisory Services is intended for Australian residents as a reference guide only. It is not a substitute for independent professional advice and is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or disorder.
If you believe your symptoms are consistent with those of bowel cancer or a digestive illness, please consult your doctor.
Bowel Cancer Australia, its directors, officers or medical professionals shall not be liable to any person, company or any other body for any loss, direct or indirect or consequential on whatsoever account for any omission or negligent misstatement.
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