Support & Education
Living with a stoma comes with practical, emotional, and lifestyle adjustments – and no one should have to navigate them alone. The Support & Education section is designed to provide ostomates, caregivers, and families with trusted information, everyday tips, and community-driven resources to support confident, independent living.
Here, you’ll find guidance on diet and hydration, public accessibility, travel preparation, medical readiness, and available support services. We also share initiatives that promote dignity, reduce waste, and strengthen the ostomy community in Singapore. Whether you are newly adjusted to life with a stoma or supporting someone who is, these resources aim to help you manage daily life with greater ease and confidence.
Diet Tips for Ostomates
Ileostomy Diet Tips (Small intestine stoma)
With an ileostomy, the small intestine diverts waste before it reaches the colon. This means fluids and nutrients are absorbed less efficiently, making hydration and blockage prevention especially important. A suitable diet focuses on maintaining fluid balance, choosing easily digestible foods, and avoiding items that may irritate or obstruct the stoma.
Priority: manage fluid loss, prevent dehydration, avoid blockages.
Best Foods for Regularity
- White rice / congee / porridge
- Soft noodles: mee sua, kway teow, udon, somen
- Steamed fish, soft chicken, tofu, eggs
- Pumpkin, carrots, winter melon
- Banana, papaya, peeled apples
Electrolytes & Hydration
Because the small intestine loses fluids:
- H2O, 100Plus (Zero)
- Coconut water (moderate, not too much sugar)
- Soup and clear broths
Foods to Avoid Early On
- High-fibre vegetables unless very soft: bok choy, kai lan, cabbage
- Tough foods: beef tendon, squid, octopus
- Stringy items: bamboo shoots, long beans, mushrooms
- Chili-heavy dishes: mala, tom yum, sambal
- Very oily dishes: fried kway teow, deep-fried snacks
Risk of Blockage - Chew Well / chopped into small pieces Extra caution with:
- Seaweed (especially kombu)
- Mushrooms
- Jackfruit
- Young coconut flesh
- Bean sprouts
Colostomy Diet Tips (Large intestine stoma)
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Priority: regulate stool consistency and gas.
Best Foods for Regularity
- Brown or white rice (both okay)
- Soba, rice noodles, mee hoon
- Skinless vegetables (soft cooked)
- Bananas, steamed apples/winter melon
- Tofu, steamed chicken, fish
- Soups and broths To Reduce Gas
To Reduce Gas
Limit:
- Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower
- Beans/lentils (dal, red beans, soybeans)
- Radish/daikon
- Carbonated drinks Foods That May Increase Odour
- Garlic, onions, chives
- Sambal, belacan, fish sauce
- Certain seafood (dried shrimp, dried cuttlefish)
Foods That Help Reduce Odor
- Lemon water or lime juice
- Parsley (fresh)
- Yogurt / probiotic drinks (Yakult, Vitagen)
- White rice
- Bread / plain prata
- Potatoes
- Bananas
- Apple sauce
If Stool Is Too Firm
Add:
- Soups, clear broths
- Papaya, dragonfruit (small amounts)
- Warm water regularly
Urostomy Diet Tips (Urine-diverting stoma)
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Priority: prevent infection, control urine odour.
Hydration Is Essential
Urostomates need consistent fluid intake:
- Water throughout the day
- Light soups: miso, fish soup, clear broths
- Avoid very sweet drinks (bubble tea, sweetened milk tea)
- Avoid strong coffee or tea in excess (diuretic and dehydrating)
Reduce Urine Odour
Helpful:
- Cranberry juice (unsweetened) – in moderation
- Yogurt
- Avoid asparagus
- Avoid garlic/onions
- Avoid some seafood (belacan, anchovies, dried fish)
Going Out & Public Toilets (Ostomy-Friendly Toilets)
People living with a stoma have additional needs when using the toilet, and having a shelf installed near the toilet bowl can greatly improve the bag changing experiences. Other times, they often faced discrimination from the public for using handicap toilets as the condition is invisible.
- Check out the handicap toilet(s) around you to see if there is a hook and shelf near the toilet bowl.
- If there isn’t, snap a picture
- And send the picture and venue/ location to admin@oas.org.sg.
You can also post it on OAS social media and hashtag
#sgostomyfriendlytoilet
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Travel Advice - Travel Document
Travelling with an ostomy is absolutely possible — many ostomates travel frequently for work, leisure, and family visits. With good planning and a few routines, you can stay comfortable, confident, and carefree.
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Security Screening
- You do not need to remove your pouch.
- You can discreetly say:
“I have a medical device and may require private screening.” - Carry OAS Medical ID card or doctor’s letter explaining your ostomy (optional but reassuring).
Download Here:
- Click here to download the English template.
- Click here to download the Mandarin template.
- Click here to download the Malay template.
Cabin Pressure
- Pouches may have slight ballooning due to air expansion.
- Choose a filtered pouch
- Book aisle seat to check/vent more frequently and empty bag at the washroom.
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Travel Preparation
Being medically prepared while travelling or managing daily life with a stoma offers peace of mind. Having the right information, supplies, and contacts readily available ensures that you can respond calmly to unexpected situations.
Beyond logistics, confidence and mindset are just as important. Many ostomates report feeling more liberated after surgery, discovering that thoughtful planning allows them to live fully and independently.
- Your ostomy type
- Products used
- Supplier/brand
- Your doctor’s contact
- Check if your destination has ostomy supply stores (major cities do).
- Purchase travel insurance that covers existing medical devices. (Optional)
Be a friendly face and a listening ear to members who may be adjusting to life with an ostomy. Support group activities, wellness sessions, and community meet-ups that foster confidence, connection, and emotional well-being.
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OAS Medical ID Card
The OAS Medical ID Card, initiated by the Ostomy Association of Singapore (OAS), is designed to provide medical identification and facilitate smoother interactions for ostomates living in Singapore.
Our card serves multiple purposes:
Simplify communication with transportation security personnel and airline flight attendants, especially when you prefer or need to communicate non-verbally. The card helps convey essential information about your medical condition, ensuring a more comfortable and hassle-free travel experience.
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Stoma Product Redistribution
Giving unused stoma supplies a second life — and supporting ostomates who need them most. Why This Initiative Matters Our Stoma Product Collection & Redistribution Initiative ensures ostomy products are not wasted and instead reach individuals who need them. By donating, you help improve comfort, dignity, and quality of life for fellow ostomates locally.
Collect – We receive unused and in-date stoma supplies from individuals, caregivers, clinics, and partner organisations.
Accepted items include:
- Ostomy pouches (ileostomy, colostomy, urostomy)
- Baseplates / skin barriers
- Adhesive remover
- Skin protection
- Ostomy belts
- Deodorising drops and disposal bags
We do not accept expired or damaged items.
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Support Groups
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Jennifer Tan
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Lim Pui Yee
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9.00am to 5.00pm from Monday to Friday; Closed on weekends & PHs
CGH Gutsy Warrior
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Jennifer Tan
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Lim Pui Yee
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9.00am to 5.00pm from Monday to Friday; Closed on weekends & PHs
SCS Semicolon
NUH Ostomates Support Group
SGH-NCCS Colorectal Support Group
Support Stronger Lives With OAS
Join us in empowering and connecting individuals living with an ostomy offering compassion, community, and practical care every step of the way.
Help empower ostomates through care, resources, and meaningful programs every action makes a difference. Donate, shop to support, or contact us to get involved and be part of the community.
Donate
Make a meaningful impact for ostomates and their families — your support helps provide care, and community programs.
Shop to Support
Support our mission while getting helpful products and resources — every purchase directly fuels our services.
Contact Us
Have questions, want to get involved? Reach out via help@oas.org.sg for inquiries, donations, supplies, or more.