Foods that are easy to digest

[DebbieT777]

I am a bit shy to post this, but I need help.  I have a permanent colostomy.  I only have 5 1/2 feet of small bowel left.  It is very difficult for me to digest meats and a lot of other foods.  Unfortunately, carbs are the easiest to digest and the worst for losing weight.  I have been warned by my doctor that I cannot afford to gain even 15 pounds as my ostomy will invert.  So, I need to eat foods that are rich in protein and nutrients but not carbs.  Any suggestions?  I have seen different dietitians but they were not much help.  They don't grasp that food goes straight through me and doesn't have time to digest properly.  Also, certain foods are very painful to digest (nuts, popcorn, corn, raw veggies, meats, etc.).  I eat mostly hamburger, ground turkey, or peanut butter for protein but I need a bigger selection if possible.  I would appreciate any help.  Thank you very much.

[mariefnp]

Hi Debbie,

First do not be embarrassed - there may be others like yourself who are afraid of posting the same question, but you did, and now you are helping them!

I am not a nutritionist, but I am in the medical field (NP). Have you tried hummus? It has protein, and you can dip just about anything in it. Many flavors also. Since you cannot do raw veggies (that's what I dip in hummus), there is a recipe somewhere on ruled.me I believe for parmesan crackers- just put little piles of parmesan cheese on parchment paper - watch carefully in oven, let cool, and they're like a chip or cracker- I haven't tried it yet, but it sounds yummy & little carbs.

Can you eat eggs?? I hard boil about 18 on my day off - eat 2 for breakfast at work, or for a snack.

If I think of something else, I'll be sure to come back!

Good luck! 🙂

[DebbieT777]

Thanks for the great ideas. I do like hummus. I thought that was all carbs. I'll start eating it more. I like eggs too but I get burned out. I just thought about egg salad too, when you mentioned boiling eggs.
I appreciate the help!

Debbie
Sent from my iPhone

[David1964]

Hi Debbie. I have a colostomy to my wife found this colostomy support group that has help me out . The name of the group is osteomy association of the houston area .they might have a group like this in the area you live in .A lot of the people that attend the meetings have had colostomy 10 to 15 years . They have help me and my wife out.

[CMDog]

I don't have a colostomy, but I have some other small bowel issues.  It's been recommended to me to try a low residue diet.  This sounds like what you are describing (avoiding raw veggies, whole grains, etc.)  As you say, it's pretty much the oppositve of what you hear about healthy eating, which stinks!  

Here is an example of a low residue diet:

http://www.webmd.com/ibd-crohns-disease/low-residue-diet-foods

Is that similar to what the dieticians are telling you?  There are a few recipe books out there for low fiber/low residue diets. You see them tagged as being for people with IBS.  A quick google search on the topic (low residue recipes) also shows a few websites with suggestions.  Unfortunately, there is no getting around the fact that whole grains and many veggies and fruits are excluded.

Good luck!