Preventing dehydration will become an every day battle but is possibly the most important thing to consider when living with an ileostomy.  The best way to prevent and avoid dehydration is to drink two to three quarts of fluids every day, especially fluids that are high in sodium and potassium.

If any symptom of dehydration presents itself, it is very important to get to the hospital immediately.  Dehydration can lead to many very serious problems including renal failure, cardiac arrest, and even death.

Ileostomy Diet Considerations

Individuals with an ileostomy should generally be able to maintain a regular balanced providing all the vitamins, minerals, and calories for a healthy diet after surgery.  In some cases, stool consistency may become an issue being more liquid than solid leading to higher stool output and faster dehydration.  In these cases, doctors may recommend or prescribe a vitamin-mineral supplement.

Special Circumstances

Because each patient is different, there are no set guidelines as to what type of dietary lifestyle is best.  Most individuals can resume a fairly normal diet.  Most often, a pattern of trial and error eating will be needed to determine which foods work best.

Some Guidlines

1. Maintain a regular eating schedule.  Eating 4 to 6 small meals a day will promote a regular bowel pattern.
2. Eating a larger, dinner-like, meal at lunch time and a smaller meal at dinner time will help decrease stool output throughout the night.  Many appliance leakages occur at night while ileostomy patients are sleeping.
3. Try one food at a time to test what effects it will have on bowel function.  If the food produces an undesirable result the hold off on it for a while.  As the body heals and adjusts, re-introduce the food.  The body may be able to tolerate the food better after healing.
4. Completely chew foods to allow for easier digestion.  Avoid swallowing large un-chewed pieces of leafy greens as they can block the stoma opening.
5. Fresh fruits may cause loose stool.
6. Drink 2 to 3 quarts of water per day.  This may help keep the stool fluid and will prevent dehydration.  Water is normally absorbed by the colon.  Because ileostomy patients do not have use of the colon, they will lose more water and electrolytes.  Do not restrict salt in the diet due to the lose of electrolytes.
7. In the first weeks after surgery, avoid foods that were a problem prior to surgery as these foods will probably still cause problems.
8. Medications such as Imodium, Lomotil, Levsin, and Bentyl may help to slow the bowel when diarrhea is a problem.