What is a good diet after colon surgery? Are probiotics good?

@lhstephenson
I would be interested in knowing more about this powdered probiotic. Is is obtained by prescription?

I had my entire colon removed in 1983. To answer your questions, I take about a heaping teaspoon of Metamucil in about 5 ounces of water twice a day and it acts like a sponge in my bowel to absorb extra liquid. His stools will never be what is considered to be normal, but this will give him some relief from the constant diarrhea. Make sure that when you add the Metamucil to the water, you drink it immediately. If not, it will solidify and cause problems going down. In answer to your probiotic question, yes he definitely needs to be on a good probiotic. In the past, I have taken all sorts, but I am now on VSL number three, which is 450 billion units per day. It is in a powder form, and it is not cheap. It’s about $100 for a 30 day supply, but it definitely will keep him from catching every little G.I. bug that runs around. I hope this has been helpful to you.

@hopeful33250
I did not have surgery.

@janetgraham and @gigi4

I can well understand the difficulties of eating after digestive tract surgery. Ten years ago, I had my third surgery of the upper digestive tract, and I concur that doctors are not always able to help us with post-surgery eating problems. I have had two referrals to a hospital dietician, which was very helpful.

As a result of my own experiences, I created a discussion group on Connect, "How Do I Eat After Digestive Tract Surgery?" Here is a link to that discussion: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/how-do-i-eat-after-digestive-tract-surgery/

In this discussion, you will find others who have had colon/rectal surgery for various types of problems. As you read these posts, you will see that most of us avoid raw fruits and veggies as well as fried foods. Small, frequent meals seem to be more easily tolerated rather than three larger meals.

After reading the posts in this discussion group, will you post your own questions?

@janetgraham I agree that diet is not usually my doctor's or surgeon's field of expertise, and their advice can be vague.

Luckily I did have a GI who sent me to a nutritionist, and she helped me figure things out.

Have you had a consult with a nutritionist of dietician? Have you tried foods other than the BRAT diet and not been able to tolerate them?

@janetgraham
I don’t have experience with what your husband has dealt with.
But I do know it is good to eliminate processed foods, reduce sugar intake, omit gluten products and look for gluten free bread, (Sourdough is ok because it has been fermented and fermented foods are good for the gut to build up good bacteria in the intestines. Also reduce dairy products like cheese and switch instead to sheep or goat milk yogurts and cheeses.
All this info I learned due to having an intestinal bacterial infection, as well as a yeast infection and fungal infection. The changes in my diet was for the purpose of building up the intestinal wall and increase good bacteria needed for digestion.
Doctors usually do not test for these issues. And I switched to a functional medicine doctor who did test for a variety of causes for my symptoms.
You may be able to find information that can help your husband by doing a search on Google or Duck Duck Go or asking AI.
I truly wish you and your husband the best. I know how difficult this can be for you both. On my prayers.

@gigi4
Im afraid my surgeon’s and oncologist ‘s office were of little help with diet.
Pretty much eat whatever you can tolerate.
Still a struggle after 1 1/2 years.
Pretty much trying to stick with the brat diet. Nothing fried, no red meat.
Any helpful suggestions appreciated.

@terrydalecasino
In the ABDOMINAL PERINEAL RESECTION, The surgeon removed (15) centimeters of my anus, rectum and 8 milimeters of my SIGMOID COLON where the cancer was. That and also a huge POLYP in the rectal area. Which is why I have the colostomy bag 🛍️ now.

@terrydalecasino
I also recently had as of
04/19/24,
Robotic parastomal hernia repair with mesh and Enterotomy.

@terrydalecasino;
I had what is called an
ABDOMINAL PERINEAL RESECTION.
In other words I had my entire anus rectum and 8 milimeters of my SIGMOID COLON totally removed. I now have to wear a colostomy bag 🛍️ for the rest of my life. My life and diet has been changed also.
I recommend if you can?
Ask the doctor if he/she
could possibly prescribe a stool thickening powder called CHOLESTYRAMINE
for oral suspension, usp.
But it's IMPERATIVE that you get the one made by
SANDOZ, because the generic or off brand does not work as well.
You can get it in little (9) gram pouches or get the bulk container with 378g that makes 168g.
That and you also might consider getting, if your doctor will prescribe them,
Premade meals specifically
made and portioned out for colon surgery recovery.
They are made by;
Food R/x.
These two products helped me,
" TREMENDOUSLY "
I'll send photos of them later.