Food/Eating

Labrooksie

I have an Ostomy bag as well as undergoing chemo. There are certain foods I can’t eat because of the bag. I’m having a lot of trouble finding foods that are high calorie, high protein that will help me get back some of the weight I lost. Anyone have any suggestions?

GregPWN

@JaneA is one of many that is in your situation. She will have some information for you I'm sure. There are a couple of others LoriK, and Michael also. I understand the issues, I've lost 50# a few times, this time I only lost 25, but I'm not eating like I was and not gaining it back. On the other hand, I really don't need to.

LoriK

Have you tried protein drinks.?
Have you tried soup? Mac and cheese?.
Omelets?

JaneA

I've been exactly where you are now. It's tough. Do you have an ileostomy or a colostomy? That makes a difference in what you can eat. With either, you can eat a low residue diet. Avoid high-fiber foods, like whole-grain breads and cereals, nuts, seeds, raw or dried fruits, and vegetables like brussel sprouts, broccoli, celery and other roughage.

I enjoyed a plain, good ole grilled cheese sandwich, scrambled eggs with cheese, baked potato with butter and sour cream. In fact, I added butter and sour cream to almost anything. Chicken and rice or chicken and noodles are both easy to digest and you can add some sour cream. In other words, add extra calories that don't add bulk. My oncologist told me that she didn't care what I ate just so I ate. I am also guilty of eating a warm brownie with vanilla ice cream.

I have a permanent colostomy so I can eat anything that I can tolerate. I can't eat fresh peaches or pears, nor cooked leafy greens. I ate healthy now - it's been 5 years since my APR surgery, and I am still NED (no evidence of disease) - a miracle of sorts since I was Stage IV at diagnosis.

Please let me know what else you need to know about eating.

KB2013

Boost and powdered whey protein mixes. I’d ask to be referred to a dietary specialist who will create a plan personalized for you. Also, try drinking beverages from the cooler section of the produce area at your grocery store i e ‘Naked’ and ‘Boathouse’ brands which aren’t bad.

Labrooksie

Thank you for your help. I too have lost 50+ pounds. I was going to try the grilled cheese sandwich but just now starting to feel like getting up and cooking. Has anyone tried Mexican Food?

JaneA

Labrooksie, it was insane - I craved Mexican food. The chemo changes our taste buds, and I craved chili and chicken enchiladas. You haven't told me if you have the ileostomy that will be reserved or a colostomy, which is usually permanent. The distinction between the two of them will help me guide you as to what NOT to eat.

Michael_Holtz

Hi @Labrooksie. Like @JaneA I have a permanent colostomy and my body tolerates almost everything (the only part of my digestive system missing is my rectum and I've had a colostomy for almost eight years). That being said, I drink whey protein shakes -- as much because I lift weights as for getting enough protein/calories. I have learned over time that foods that are very high in fat or high in sugar, especially in combination, do not stay in my system very long. Also, I LOVE Mexican food. I also love buffalo wings.

Iyana

You can try different recipes of chocolate-cream smoothies, hot chocolate, fruit-cream smoothies, yogurt-fruit smoothie, etc. Corn is a high-calorie food. You can have cream corn or sweet corn. You can use nuts in any way you like with desserts, salads or just as dry fruits. You can also substitute normal butter with peanut butter. Peanut butter sandwiches provide a high number of calories too. Milkshakes, ice cream, chocolate mousse, puddings, etc are high-calorie desserts. Add butter and cheese to sandwiches, casseroles, gravies, curries, bread, and pasta. Use condensed milk, evaporated milk or sour cream to make desserts and other food instead of skimmed milk or normal cream.
But it is best to consult with your doctor for the best advice he can suggest to you the food that is well suited for you while you're on treatment.
Best of luck!

Labrooksie

I have an ilostomy. I tried Mexican food. I chose a restaurant known for not having really spicy food. The only thing I couldn’t tolerate was the cheese dip. It did taste to spicy. The things I am craving is stuff I shouldn’t eat. Mushrooms!!! All I want is fried mushrooms, stuffed mushrooms! I can’t wait for this to be reversed and I can eat normally. (I hope)