@darylhd - I had a ileostomy, which has since been reversed. However, before my reversal, I also went to the ER and was admitted with what turned out to be a partial small bowel obstruction. Luckily, it resolved itself on it's own without surgery. At the time, I spoke with the attending physician and he stressed the importance of hydrating because it helps move food through the small bowels. I had gotten the obstruction after not hydrating well (I was on a work trip in the desert) and after eating a lot of vegetables (which are fibrous) without drinking anything with the meal. After that episode, I kept hydrated, made sure that I didn't eat a lot of fibrous vegetables at once, made sure I drank something during the meal, and an another partial bowel obstruction did not occur. Chewing your food well also doesn't hurt. Hope this helps!