Weight loss! Is this common

Hi Artsie. Yes I lost weight after my ileostomy - it was almost like everything was flying through me and the calories weren’t getting absorbed. Do you take loperamide/immodium at all? That might help slow things down but check with your stoma nurse first.

Ive attached a couple of links that have tips for weight gain. I think the secret is to bump up the calories without the volume so make rice pudding with full fat milk, cream and cheese in mash, butter on your toast, rich pasta sauces etc.You can also get drinks on prescription called Fortisip which are about the size of a little Actimel bottle but have about 200 calories in.

https://www.imperial.nhs.uk/~/media/website/patient-information-leaflets/cancer-services/bowel-cancer/nutritional-advice-for-people-with-a-new-ileostomy.pdf

https://bowelcancerorguk.s3.amazonaws.com/Publications/EatingWell_BowelCancerUK.pdf

I had my Ileostomy reversed over 3 years ago and I’m still 10lbs under the weight that I was when first diagnosed in 2016 but it’s acceptable for my height so I’m not too bothered.

Take care

Karen x

Karen

Thank you so much, I will check out your link.

I’m having a bad day today, I am normally positive but today it’s a feel sorry for self day..

kind regards

Artsie  

You are entitled to those Artsie. You’re only 4 weeks out of major surgery and there are a lot of changes to get used to. I remember feeling that I just wanted to feel ‘like me’ again but it does get better over time. You’ll get used to what your stoma likes to eat and what it doesn’t. Another couple of weeks and you’ll be able to drive again. Another member on here had the mantra ‘this too shall pass’ and it will but don’t feel you need to leap out of bed in a morning feeling grateful to be alive - be kind to yourself.

Have you thought about ringing the nurses on here just for a chat about how you’re feeling? They’re available every day from 8-8 on 0808 808 00 00. 
Take care

Karen x

karen062

Thank you again.

Maybe I will ring later, your words are exactly how I feel. I should leap out of bed grateful to be alive. That’s it and it’s true. 

My Stoma’s called Whoopee. She’s being a bit attention seeking at the moment 

take care 

Artsie