
There is no specific “ostomy diet” but there are important considerations as you discover the foods that work best for you.
For guidance, follow a nurse or doctor’s orders at each stage of your post-op adjustment. Individual sensitivity to certain foods varies greatly. You must determine, by trial, what is best for you; our newly released “Eating With An Ostomy” guide can help in this process.
Special Considerations
Blockages and Dehydration: Those who have had ileostomy surgery are most at risk of blockages and dehydration, but a good practice for all is to hydrate properly and thoroughly chew your food. If you suspect a blockage it requires quick attention and often an emergency room visit. Download our card for guidance and use in hospital visits.
Resources in Spanish
Nutrition Support is most commonly used for vitamin B-12 absorption issues. In other severe cases intravenous and tube feeding may be needed. The Oley foundation can provide additional support in this regard.
Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS, Short Gut) is a rare but severe malabsorption issue. Short bowel syndrome generally occurs when a large portion of the small intestine has been removed by surgery or as a result of disease or injury. Know the symptoms and talk to a doctor to see if you are at risk.
Read Our Latest Posts About Nutrition


The Heat is On! Hydrate with an Ostomy

Ostomy Diet Guidelines After Surgery
Contact Us
United Ostomy Associations of America
P.O. Box 525
Kennebunk, ME 04043-0525
Call us toll-free at: 1-800-826-0826.
Our Information Line hours are Monday-Friday, 9am to 3pm (Wednesday until 2pm) EST. If you have an emergency, please dial 911 or contact your local medical professional.
UOAA does not provide Medical, Mental Health, Insurance or Legal Advice.
UOAA does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.
Get Involved
Would you like to share your personal patient story with us, write a blog of interest to the ostomy community, or share the trusted educational resources of UOAA on your social media channels and encourage ostomates in need to reach out to local UOAA Affiliated Support Groups? If so, consider becoming a UOAA Social Media Ambassador. For more information please contact UOAA’s Communications and Outreach Manager at ed.pfueller@ostomy.org
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Nurse Shares 4 Common Convex Ostomy Skin Barrier MythsJanuary 11, 2021 - 2:57 pm
Ostomy Output ChallengesDecember 11, 2020 - 1:34 pm
