As it is with ulcerative colitis, every person is different and will have different “good” and “bad” foods. There are, however, some basic guidelines that a person with a j-pouch can follow to help their pouch function better. Most people go on to enjoy a much higher quality of life than they had before their j-pouch surgery, even if the diet is, at times, a bit restricted.
Diet Directly After Surgery
Immediately following surgery the surgeon may provide details on how to eat. This may include instructions on a soft, low-residue diet. It is very important at this time to follow the doctor’s advice, as it could help speed recovery and avoid possible complications. After the doc releases you to try new foods, do so one at a time, with caution.
Beverages
Water is an extremely important part of the diet after j-pouch surgery. After a colectomy (which is one part of j-pouch surgery), the body loses water more easily and dehydration is a greater risk. A j-poucher needs to drink plenty of water each day, especially before, during, and after exercise, and during hot weather.
Some fruit juices may cause diarrhea; carbonated beverages tend to cause gas; drinks with caffeine actually have a dehydrating effect. After surgery, a j-poucher may finally feel well enough to have some beverages that were not possible before the surgery, but should always remember that moderation is important.
Snacking
After surgery, it may be recommended that a j-poucher eat small, frequent meals to keep some food in the stomach all the time. Having some food in the stomach can also be helpful while taking certain medications, such as painkillers.
Foods to Avoid
After a colectomy, there will be more bile juices moving through the body and out of the rectum. This extra bile can result in some significantly uncomfortable burning sensations during and after defecation. It is important to take care of the perianal skin and to eat properly to avoid irritating the skin further.
Foods That May Cause Diarrhea
A j-poucher’s stools are not similar in consistency to a person who has not had a colectomy, but neither should they be loose or watery. Some foods that cause diarrhea in one person will be just fine for someone else. The following foods may cause or contribute to diarrhea in people who have had j-pouch surgery:
CoconutFoods/drinks with citric acid (such as orange juice and tomato products)Green or red peppersNutsRaisinsSalsasSpicy foods
Alcoholic drinksApple juice (or copious amounts of any fruit juice)Baked beansBroccoliCabbageCaffeinated beverages (coffee, tea, cola)DairyFatty foodsFried foodsHot peppersPrune juice (a natural laxative)Spicy foods
Caution Foods
After recovery and adjustment to the new “plumbing,” many j-pouchers can tolerate just about anything they want to eat, within reason. There are some foods that should always be eaten with caution, preferably in small amounts, with copious amounts of water, and never at the same time as any other caution foods.
Foods That Help
There are several foods that are generally easy to digest and may even help to create bulk and firm up stool. If a j-poucher is having a hard time with diarrhea or loose stool, backing down from new or untried foods and adding some of these foods back into the diet may help to firm up the stool.
CornMushroomsPeanutsPopcornSeedsNuts
ApplesauceBananasHard-boiled eggsHot breakfast cerealsMashed potatoesOatmealPeanut butter (creamy only)Plain pastaToast (white bread or other types without seeds or nuts as tolerable)White riceYogurt (with live cultures)
