a. Most physicians do not recommend dietary restrictions once the patient has recovered from surgery and is released from the hospital. However, foods that cause discomfort, gas, or diarrhea should be omitted.

b. Hard to digest foods should be avoided if they cause discomfort. Examples are celery, popcorn, berries, and high-fiber foods.

c. Odor-causing foods include cabbage, onions, fish, and eggs. These foods should be tested individually to determine if they can be tolerated.

d. Spinach, parsley, yogurt, and buttermilk act as deodorizers on the intestinal tract.

e. All foods ingested will normally pass through the ileostomy within 4-6 hours.