Low Residue Diet

[DebBebb]

Hi, I'm new here...Does anyone have any hints and tips for living with a low residue diet post colon cancer? Thanks

[bantam12]

I would ask for an appt with the dietician at your hospital, they have all the info and can help you make an eating plan.

[Nicole_GCCA Partner]

Hello DebBebb ,Thank you for posting in Colon Cancer Connected and welcome to our community. I hope you'll find support and connection with others here.

We don't offer medical advice but share our own experiences and hope to be a resource and a friendly group to turn to.

Has your doctor or a dietician recommended a low-residue diet? If you haven't spoken to your medical team about starting a low residue diet or any special diet.

Thanks again and we hope you'll be an active member of our site if you find it useful!

~Nicole, GCCA Staff Member & Colon Cancer Connected Site Administrator.

Just a reminder - this group is here to offer support, share experiences, and offer our thoughts - but this is not medical advice, and you should always consult your medical professional(s). Additionally, for all emergencies, seek urgent medical care, never delay.

[DebBebb in reply to Nicole_GCCA]

Hi , My cancer nurse advised a low fibre diet, white bread and marshmallow too, that didn't help, she has now advised that I start on the low residue diet, just wondered if any one has any hints and tips for how they got on with the diet. I can't tolerate all the the lovely healthy fibre filled foods I used to eat Thanks

[bantam12 in reply to DebBebb]

I stick to low fibre diet because of UC and after recent gallbladder op was even more limited to what I could eat, low residue is so restrictive. If diarrhoea is the problem maybe ask about Colestyramine sachets, starting on them has literally changed my life !

[DebBebb in reply to bantam12]

Thanks for the tip, along with diarrhoea I've been suffering from bloating, stomach cramps , wind and indigestion . I have been checked out this and nothing sinister has returned , I just need to find a diet that suits me!

[bantam12 in reply to DebBebb]

Since taking the Colestyramine I can more or less eat anything again without the dreaded diarrhoea. The one I take is called Questran Light. It would be worth asking your Dr or cancer nurse about it although they might have to go and look it up !

[DebBebb in reply to bantam12]

Thanks very much 👍

[aysedeniz in reply to DebBebb]

Very difficult to tell a diet because something that is good for me might be bad for you. I have started with soups adding small portions of vegetables. You have to choose one by one the vegetables and decide which one is good for you. I stopped eating red meat. But I eat fish. I eat grounded meat of chicken to prevent constipation No spice no oil to start. I stated with fruits boiled without sugar. Sometimes I added a carrot juice. I know we are very lonely. People are scarred to help us but I made new friends like me and get help from their experiences. Be very careful. I will give you an exemple. My neighbour doctor told her to go to the dieteticien of the hospital. The dieteticien told her to eat one slice of bread twice a day. Her doctor was very furious the next visit. He told her not to eat bread at all. Another ecemple Red lentilles soup is excellent for me but can cause flatulamce for you. Just know that there are people like us all around the world. Be courageous be brave and add the food one by one. Build your own diet program

[DebBebb in reply to aysedeniz]

Thanks for your help, I think it's just trial and error, I'm sure I'll get there in the end. I've been advised that it can take up to a year for my bowels to settle down!

[Nicole_GCCA Partner in reply to DebBebb]

Great advice bantam12 and aysedeniz - it is so true that what will work well for one person may have the opposite effect on another.

When trying out a particular diet, it would be important to keep a food journal to track what you are taking in (both food and liquid) and also track your bowel movements.

Sometimes it may be very obvious what you are having a negative reaction to - but other times it can be subtle. In order to figure out what is working (or isn't working) it would be important not to change up too many elements on the diet on one day, because then you won't be able to identify what food it was that you tolerated well (or didn't).

It definitely takes a lot of effort, energy, persistence, and patience to find the diet that works right for you.

DebBebb - keep us posted and good luck!

Nicole @ GCCA

[DebBebb in reply to Nicole_GCCA]

Thanks everyone

[aysedeniz in reply to DebBebb]

Mine took up 6 months. I had to take too much antibiotics due to the perforation and pneumothorax. My bowel flora was lost. Food is very important after the surgery because the anastemose has to stick well. After the parenteral feeding at the hospital you have to continue with a good diet without harming your bowel. Difficult 😊

[DebBebb in reply to aysedeniz]

Thanks , I agree it's difficult!

[Nicole_GCCA Partner in reply to DebBebb]

DebBebb - It sounds like you are prepared mentally that it can be a long process to find the diet and routine that will be best for you. We hope you find that balance soon and please keep us updated and share any tips that work for you. Also, sharing what didn't work for you can be valuable information for others as well.

~Nicole @ GCCA

[Nicole_GCCA Partner in reply to aysedeniz]

aysedeniz ,Thanks for commenting and sharing your experience. I know you've been through a lot and it sounds like you are really committed to putting the effort in on trying what diet will be best for you. We appreciate you sharing from your own experience and your advice on diet.

~Nicole @ GCCA