Living with a Stoma: Tanya's Top Tips for Diet and Lifestyle
- Rapidcare
- May 19
- 4 min read
Updated: 18 hours ago
In this blog, we sat down with Tanya, one of our social media contributors and a proud member of the stoma community. She opened up about her personal experience managing her diet, social life, and confidence after ostomy surgery.
From early challenges to lifestyle wins, Tanya's story is filled with practical advice and encouragement for anyone adjusting to life with a stoma.
Note: Always consult your stoma care nurse, dietician, or healthcare professional before making changes to your diet.
Quick Takeaway
Tanya shares honest, practical tips on what foods to avoid after surgery, how to eat well with a stoma, and ways to stay confident at social events - with a few sweet treats included.
What foods should you avoid after ostomy surgery?
"When I first had my surgery," Tanya says, " I had no idea how much my diet would change."
She quickly learned that a low-fibre diet was essential in the early stages. Foods like Apples, grapes, tomatoes, and anything with seeds caused discomfort and needed to be avoided.
"I started steaming and peeling my vegetables, which helped a lot," she explains. "Over time, this became a regular part of my cooking."
Tanya also steered clear of corn and popcorn, which are commonly known to cause blockages in people with a stoma. Although some can tolerate them, she preferred to play it safe.
Her general rule? Avoid high-fibre foods, skins, and seeds early on, and stick to soft, easy-to-digest meals. Keeping things simple helped her feel more in control.
How do you Maintain a Balanced Diet with a Stoma?
Managing a stoma doesn't mean giving up on nutrition. Tanya focuses on lean proteins, refined grains, and cooked vegetables. When needed, she discusses supplements with her healthcare provider.
One tip that's worked wonders for her is keeping a food diary.
"It helped me track what my body could handle and what triggered issues," she says. "It's a simple tool, but it made a big difference."
She also emphasises staying hydrated and giving yourself time to learn what works best for your body.
Looking for more nutrition tips? Check out our hydration tracker blog
Can you still enjoy social life with a stoma?
Absolutely - with a little planning.
Tanya admits social events were intimidating at first. Her advice?
Review the menu ahead of time
Let the host know if you have dietary restrictions
Eat beforehand or bring your own snacks
Know where the nearest restroom is
"The more I planned ahead, the more confident I felt," she shares. "It doesn't have to stop you from enjoying yourself."
What about sweet treats?
Good news - dessert isn't off the table.
"I still enjoy my favourites, like digestive biscuits or a small slice of chocolate cake with ice cream," Tanya smiles. "It's about moderation and knowing what feels right."
She encourages others to treat themselves occasionally and not feel guilty for it.
Tanya's Final Advice
"Life with a stoma can feel overwhelming at first," Tanya says, "but take it one day at a time."
From logging meals to picking the right clothes and choosing the right ostomy supplies, there's a lot to learn. But it gets easier.
"Give yourself grace. Try new foods. Celebrate small wins. And most importantly, choose products from people who understand you."
She gives a special mention to Whiteroseostomy, a fashion brand that offers stoma-friendly clothing and accessories.
"They know exactly what you need - and that makes a big difference."
Inspired by Tanya's Journey? We're here for you
If you or a loved one is adjusting to life with a stoma - or managing a bladder, bowel, or diabetes condition - we can help.
At Rapidcare, we offer a free NHS prescription delivery service that's quick to register for, completely discreet, and comes with a helpful welcome pack to support you from day one. Whether you're just starting out or looking for a service that truly understands your needs, we're here to make it life easier. Register here in just a few steps.
Frequently Asked Questions on stoma
1. Can I eat sweets if I have a stoma?
Yes, in moderation. Tanya enjoys chocolate cake and digestive biscuits without discomfort. Always listen to your body and consult your stoma care team.
2. What foods should I avoid after ostomy surgery?
High-fibre foods, seeds, skins, corn, and popcorn are best avoided in the early recovery stage. Tanya recommends steaming or peeling fruits and vegetables for easier digestion.
3. How do I register for prescription delivery?
It's simple. If you're living with a stoma or managing another long-term condition, you can register here for our free NHS prescription service.
4. What is life like with a stoma?
Life after stoma surgery involves some adjustments, but many people return to work, travel, and enjoy daily activities with confidence and proper support.
5. What is the best diet for someone with a stoma?
After stoma surgery, a balanced diet with low-fibre foods at first is recommended. Over time, you can gradually reintroduce fruits, vegetables, and whole grains based on tolerance.
