Low Residue Diet Queries

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I have some questions/queries regarding the low residue diet. I appreciate the fact sheets/booklet given to me pre & post colonoscopy can't embrace every food item & is quite generalised, so I did call the colorectal nursing team about my queries & was signposted the the dietician details on the back of the booklet. I called & no one returned my call. A week later I emailed, no one responded to my email. I've searched the web & there seems to be some variations in booklets from different NHS trusts. I was wondering if those of you who are more experienced can answer some of my questions? 

The most poignant is: What's the deal with alcohol? I'd love to know if I can have some indulgence over the coming few days?

Here's the list I sent by email - if anyone can shine a light it would be really helpful.

1. Can I have onion in recipes if it’s cooked to very soft? 
2. If not, can an onion replacer be used (Powder form - FREEFOD low residue diet product)
3. Coffee needs to be freeze-dried & weak. Can I have decaf coffee from ground coffee or a stronger from decaf dry freeze?
4. Can I have chilli paste or chilli powder in recipes?
5. Could I have other veg if they are cooked soft & blended into a smooth soup?
6. Are sausages & bacon included in the meat category.
7. Can I have broccoli heads if they are soft?
8. Could I get away with some champagne on Christmas Day?
Thank you in advance.
Bev
  • Hi Mrs. S

    From my experience, here are my answers

    1. Can I have onion in recipes if it’s cooked to very soft?  AVOID ONION IF YOU CAN

    2. If not, can an onion replacer be used (Powder form - FREEFOD low residue diet product) SORRY NEVER HEARD OF IT, BUT IF LOW RESIDUE PRODUCT, SOUNDS GOOD
    3. Coffee needs to be freeze-dried & weak. Can I have decaf coffee from ground coffee or a stronger from decaf dry freeze? I WAS TOLD DECAFF MUCH BETTER BUT CAN DO SOME CAFF. ALL NORMAL/FULL STRENGTH.
    4. Can I have chilli paste or chilli powder in recipes? DEPENDS ON YOUR CONDITION. CHILLI CAN AGGREIVATE A SENSITIVE BOWEL
    5. Could I have other veg if they are cooked soft & blended into a smooth soup? YES BUT CHOOSE VEG CAREFULLY
    6. Are sausages & bacon included in the meat category.
    I GOT CONFLICTING ADVICE ON THIS. GENERALLY CHICKEN + FISH WERE ENCOURAGED AND AVOID PROCESSED MEATS
    7. Can I have broccoli heads if they are soft? I TRIED TO INTRODUCE BUT FOUND IT WAS NOT ADVISABLE
    8. Could I get away with some champagne on Christmas Day? GENERAL ADVICE WAS ALCOHOL ISN'T GREAT WITH CANCER OR TREATMENT, BUT THAT IN SMALL AMOUNTS OCCASSIONALLY THEN WON'T HAVE TOO MUCH IMPACT

  • Hey  , thank you! 
    I’m in limbo, waiting for my treatment plan.
    I imagine that alcohol during some treatment would probably not even come on the radar. 
    Your feedback has been really helpful. 

    Thank you Blush 

    Nest wishes,

    Bev

  • My pleasure. Blush

    Good luck with getting treatment plan... and maybe you're in best time (pre treatment plan) to just enjoy yourself and bend rules a bit to have the best Christmas ever

  • Do you know I had an Ileostomy and found that by adding my favourite things to my meals slowly that my body was used to I was fine.
    I love sweet chilli and tolerated that fast however salmon was a no go.

    All veg was fine soft but I tended to stick to veg that would mash easily. Cauli, broccoli, sprouts I added later on post op. I like cauliflower cheese and I mashed the smaller parts for me to enjoy Or it was chew chew chew 


    I had a cooked English breakfast quickly too. Just one slice of chopped bacon, toast, tinned tomatoes and egg yummy. I was so excited 

    Fizzy drinks gassed my pouch  so I allowed the fizz to flatten or wine was fine. Small glass of champagne why not just not to many bubbles. 
    Wotsits or quavers rather than crisps early days. Peanut butter on crackers as nuts gave me jaw ache and I was paranoid about blocking 
    Have a lovely Christmas and enjoy your treats. 
    I was really lucky as chocolates caused no problem either 

    Ann
     ‍Art

  • Hi Bev, I was on a low risidue diet before my surgery & I think this shows how different things are by trusts. Coffee was never mentioned so I continued to drink full caffeinate. Veg I was told as long as it’s well cooked so continued to have onions & broccoli & also used spices when cooking.

    lastly, alcohol was also never mentioned so still drank but not to excess.

    i think as long as you try for the most part to stick to it the odd meal here & there won’t hurt. So enjoy your Christmas dinner with a glass of champers!