How to manage eating like this long term?

[user87382294757]

I have this problem so can't eat much fibre. It is important, it is small bowel obstruction and can't have more surgery as had so much already.

Basically can't eat much fibre due to this and have been given this low fibre diet. If I do eat it it is really painful and tummy swells up, it can result in vomiting bile and the NG tube also - which is horrible- and if it doesn't settle, surgery to free the bowel up.

Sorry for horrible description but to emphasise how serious it is as some people don't get it really.

So I'm allowed things like white bread, jelly, cheese, chocolate, some cooked and softened fruits and veggies. Not great. Here is the kind of stuff recommended to me.

www.scan.scot.nhs.uk/Documents/Low%20fibre%2009%20A4%20060611.pdf

AIBU in that this is rubbish and seems pretty unhealthy? I am trying to do things like say eat eegs or yoghurt during the day or else tunny hurts on the school run and then a bit larger portion in the evening and not feel too guilty about it seeming too unhealthy? It is hard when I keep hearing about eating 5 a day (or more) etc etc.

You need a nutritionist not a dietician. Take the list of suggested foods and an explanation of your diagnosis. Then they can work with you to create a good, nutritional diet which also meets your needs.

My only suggestion is to focus on protein and fat, rather than carbs. And I guess supplement with vitamin tablets. But I'm not a nutritionist. Talk to an expert!

Hi OP, I think some PPs are being a bit insensitive - I'd find that diet realy hard as I like to eat what I consider to be "healthy food", both because I enjoy the taste and because I've been encouraged to eat that sort of food since I was young.

I do agree that you have to rethink what you consider to be "healthy", though. I guess it's similar to the way some people have to take medicines which actually increase the likelihood of them getting some other illnesses, but it's worth it because they'd be so sick otherwise.

My dad had diverticulitis a few years ago and had to change his diet after that (he'd previously had a very healthy diet with lots of wholegrains etc). He changed to eating 4 smaller meals instead of 3 - I'm not sure if that would help you?

Sorry, ignore me, I had nutritionists and dieticians the wrong way round in my head. I'm surprised you haven't had better help from a dietician, though.

I think getting your head around the misinformation around 'processed' is good too.

Yoy go pull a couple of carrots out of the garden. You wash, peel, chop and cook them. Congratulations, you now have a plate of processed food!

The amount of marketing that includes research in psychology it huge. Most 'studies' are funded by the industry themselves, so follow the money.

Toothpaste, toothbrush and mouthwash etc manufacturers are delighted about the whole 'ooh, fruit juice is really bad for your teeth' thing. Three guesses who comissioned a raft of studies into this?

You waited very late on this thread to mention you were a vegetarian. That’s a heck of a drip feed (no offense). Yes, that’s going to affect your ability to “enjoy” variety on a diet like that. You agreed with @Chloe9, when in fact, you wouldn’t eat any of the things she mentioned. Are you willing to change your diet some to face a new reality? I looked up the condition and it seems that this is temporary, ie if you have this diet, “you have been sent home to wait for a semi-blockage to clear (if it’s a complete blockage, you can’t eat) and must do this diet, and once it clears, you will be able to SLOWLY add fiber back to your diet.” I have friends who are vegetarians who have had to change their diet and eat animal protein for medical reasons and they looked into the most ethical ways to do it (bought straight from small farmers if possible, wild caught fish, etc, protein powder with animal protein ingredients). In my PERSONAL opinion, if you must eat animal protein for medical reasons, it does not affect your vegetarianism, but I know each person feels differently. It’s 100% your call, but I don’t generally hear people going on and on about eating fruit and vegetables to be healthy (I mean, yes, we know that, but it’s not coming at me every day?), so I’m not sure who you’re listening to, but I hope you’re okay, OP. And yes, I know exactly what the swollen tummy and vomiting bile for hours feels like and I would much rather stick to any diet than do that. I’m so sorry you’re facing this.

It doesn’t have to be processed. You can make your own bread and pasta, if you have the time and inclination. It suggests packet sauces and frozen meals but I suspect those are just to help people who are completely overwhelmed when newly diagnosed and don’t know where to start. But you can make your own cheese sauces, cream sauces, etc.

What advice have you been given to keep 'regular'? Without vegetable fibre, I would be concerned about to keep constipation at bay.

Maybe senna pods but for volume ...

This does sound like a dilemma but I second the idea that more fat is a good solution to feeling full. I chuck olive oil on everything these days and it definitely fills you up. Butter too if you're not vegan (it's got a bad rep but not actually too bad for you)

Juicing vegetables also quite a good idea but it sounds like you're more bothered about feeling full.

Soup is the way to go with feeling full.

People are always suggesting I take up running, despite the fact a surgeon has told me never to run, so I do feel your pain.

I think it is difficult when you have dietary restrictions for people to understand. I have to avoid gluten, high fibre foods, some fruits, no sweeteners, no Quorn, and eat extra salt. So when I'm eating Macdonalds chips I'm doing what's good for me IYSWIM. I have been eating this way for so long now that I am in good practice.

I did have to accept that I would never be veggie or vegan though. The bulk of my calories come from meat, fish, nuts and dairy and it became impossible to eat out otherwise.

Crikey, I didn't realize you were vegetarian. That must be even tougher. Tbh (and I say this as someone who was raised veggie) I would consider adding some (high welfare) meat or fish into your diet. It's not ideal but your health is the most important thing

They've written that list in terms of processed foods to make it easier for people just to pick things up from the shelf of the supermarket, but the only things that have to be processed are the cereals and the crisps. Everything else you can do from scratch.

Have you considered exploring other cuisines? I seem to remember from our Chinese friends that the Chinese have some breakfast boiled dumplings in sweet syrup which might be a possibility, and a rice porridge which would be lower fibre than oat porridge.

White rice porridge with a drizzle of maple syrup is really nice.

I have ulcerative colitis and bile acid malabsorption, I have to follow pretty much the same diet. It’s not very good but I suppose it’s better than the alternative. Just really wanted to let you know that you’re not alone and I hope your health improves

No, it is permanent, in most cases it comes and goes but with me have had so much surgery that it is called a 'conglomerate' so the small bowel is in a permanent state or subacute obstruction. They would probably operate if keyhole was possible, to free it up but the last one took all day and surgery just makes things worse. So in my case it's not a case of trying and adding more fibre, but going for something called a 'low residue diet' if I can't stomach what is on the list above - more like clear fluids and Ensure drinks. The diet above is for the good days! But thanks for the thoughts. Yes maybe I could try adding a little fish perhaps.

Thanks smurfy you too

I eat similar on strict medical advice.
While the diet may be thought of as unhealthy, for me to eat otherwise would make me very ill.
I think accept this is what you need for now and your gp will do regular bloods to make sure you do not need anything.

MY GP doesn't do any regular tests for nutrients should he? I am not under the gastroenterologists but the surgeons

Mine are done whenever I'm as a gastro clinic. Talk to your surgeon about this - I'm sure you can be referred if necessary.

There should ideally be an IBD nurse as part of gastro to help support you.

OK thanks- yes DH is with them as he has IBD but with mine just the surgeons. Not sure if will need a referral just with the bowel resections but could maybe ask the GP. I think with DH they just checked B12

That diet sounds hard to follow for sure! I don’t have any real advice but I think the Drs saying it’s healthy for you is important. Just follow their advice. If your bloods are fine then just keep doing what you are doing. And maybe juicing is a good idea?

Thanks yes the juicing may be an idea and I have just also discovered nutritional yeast which is full of B vitamins and like flakes so easy to digest. Marmite could also be used on toast.

There seems to be a few of us on this diet so I thought I would ask MN to move it to General health section in case anyone wants to add any ideas for foods / meals etc or any tips.