Once you’ve moved past the initial recovery phase, you begin to get an idea of what foods you can tolerate.

Tip: Keeping a food diary can be helpful when reintroducing foods into your diet. Simply log what you ate and then note how it affected you in terms of frequency, urgency, consistency, pain, and wind.

For many ostomates, eating out can be a source of anxiety. It’s easy to overthink things, leading to unnecessary worry. Here are a few common concerns:

• Not being able to eat anything on the menu
• Making a smell in the restroom
• Passing gas or making noise
• Portion sizes

But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! There’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to enjoy a meal out with friends or family. With a little bit of planning, you can feel more confident and prepared for any situation.

Preparing to eat out

I personally think that the most important thing to consider is who you go out to eat with. Good friends will be considerate of your needs, and will try to make you feel comfortable.

I find it stressful when I go off my usual eating schedule. I generally eat at the same time each day, and if I have to wait longer between meals, air builds up, which can cause pain and the inappropriately timed passing of gas!

Most restaurants aren’t completely silent, so chances are, you’ll be the only one who notices any sounds from your stoma. However, if you’re worried about it, try to stick to your usual eating time. If that’s not possible, have a snack a couple of hours before the meal. If you’re still concerned, choose a restaurant with some background noise—just not so much that you can’t hold a conversation!

If there are certain foods you can’t tolerate and it’s making you anxious, check out the restaurant’s menu online before you book. That way, you can see if there are options that suit you. And if you’re unsure how an ingredient will affect you, consider testing it at home first.

Wear something comfortable that has a little room for your belly and stoma bag to expand. Don’t forget to bring your emergency ostomy supplies, and if you’re concerned about leaving an odor in the restroom, bring a small air freshener with you. Also, remember any medications you need before or during meals!

When you arrive

When first you arrive, locate the toilets. If you feel more comfortable sitting near them, do tell the person sitting with you.

We live in an age where restaurants are used to catering to specific dietary requirements. So, don’t be afraid to ask what’s in a dish or request that an ingredient be left out. I used to feel embarrassed about being the “picky eater,” but I’ve learned that it’s far better to speak up than to end up in the hospital with a blockage or lying awake at night in pain just because I didn’t want to ask for a small adjustment.

If big meals aren’t your thing, look for the “light options” section on the menu, or order a starter as your main course.

If you tend to have loose output, try not to eat and drink simultaneously. That doesn’t mean you can’t order a drink with your meal—just sip it rather than guzzling it down between bites. Starchy sides like chips, rice, or bread can also help bulk up your output.

Lastly, don’t forget to bring along your sense of humour and to enjoy yourself! It’s natural to worry, but worrying doesn’t prevent problems. Being prepared is the best you can do!