Jpouchers - what should our output consistency be?

You are early in the process. Ultimately it will get thicker but you can use natural stool thickeners like bananas, potatoes, other bulking agents.

Acidity should also calm down over the course of time.

Ideal consistency is something like finely pureed apple sauce.

Increase fiber, add imodium.

You're way early but in time your consistency will range from solid to not-so-solid. Much of it is dependent upon what you eat.

Sue

Yes, your consistency will improve with time, but keep in mind that it's not unusual for one's consistency to vary even within the course of a single day, often depending on diet or even skipping meals (I actually get a very watery stool if I don't eat enough or if I go too long between meals). What you have to remember is that there is no universal constant. With a j-pouch you will ultimately have watery stools from time to time. It's just the way it is. However, what you are really looking for is consistency over time. This will sound gross, but I would agree that what you're aiming for something along the lines of applesauce or guacamole or creamy mashed potatoes. Alternatively, you don't want stool that is too think or it becomes very difficult to pass. In fact, there are several pouchers on this forum who prefer to have more watery stools simply because they don't have to strain.

quote:

but keep in mind that it's not unusual for one's consistency to vary even within the course of a single day, often depending on diet

True, even years out, your diet will literally have an effect on your pouch's consistency. Over 90% of the time, after all these years, I'm still stuck with diarrhea.

After 12 years I still have watery stool. No straining and I empty very quickly. The consistency isn't as important as having good control. As long as you have that don't worry about how thick it is. I prefer the thinner stool.

Call me crazy but I hate having watery/loose stools. When things are too loose, it takes me forever to get everything out to my satisfaction. It always feels like there's just a little bit left over, very annoying. When things are more formed and more "normal" looking, I'm able to go much faster, since everything is held together. I actually strain less with thicker stool (it takes a little more work to get the ball rolling, but in the end it's much easier for me).

But, all that said, to each their own.

Yes, it has been based on what I eat. I would say go with a light increase in Fiber, but do not overdo it. I overdid it in the beginning and I think it contributed to some of my high frequency. right now I have just a little fiber everyday ( whole grain sandwich bread, a handful of cereal) and I like the consistency I get.

Hi Judy!!! It's great to 'see' you!

I am 16 years out and I have watery diarrhea all the time. I don't think anyone is "stuck" with it -- it's just a fact. Your colon absorbs the last bit of water in your stool which solidifies it, so without your colon your stool is going to be watery.

Gleam, the acidity will get better. Your skin will become tougher and you will figure out what foods trigger more acid and burning than others. Keep a journal. You will be surprised at what foods create discomfort. Although, don't get discouraged if something you love is a problem right now. Reintroduce it later and you may be pleasantly surprised.

I no longer "count". I like liquidy stools as they get out of me fast and I feel empty. The key, to me, is control. If I have liquidy stools but feel in control (I do on both counts), I'm thrilled! 99.9% of the time.....I'm thrilled.

CeeCee -- I totally agree with you!

i don't worry about consistency either, as long as I'm going my usual 3 to 4 times a day without discomfort, leakage or urgency then I'm happy