Frequently asked questions

  • Established in 2025, The Good Bowel Company sells bowel health journals and resources.

    Our first journal, The Ostomate Journal, is designed for patients who have undergone stoma surgery and features a daily meal plan and symptoms log split between the first six weeks following surgery and the three months thereafter, known as the reintroduction stage. It also includes a detailed shopping list to help you navigate the supermarkets and an eight-page illustrated food allowed and food to avoid. There’s also appointment, wellness, useful resources and eating out pages, too.

    The Low Residue Shopping List is a downloadable pdf designed to help you navigate the supermarkets. If your healthcare provider has recommended a low residue diet following surgery, this is for you. 

  • We use Royal Mail tracked delivery to ship to mainland UK, Scottish Highlands, Islands, Isle of Man and Northern Ireland.

    We also now proudly ship to the United States with Royal Mail International Tracked 6-7 business days for £20.49 which includes duty paid.

    Outside of the UK? We’d love to ship to you. Email us at info@thegoodbowelcompany.com to chat delivery rates.

  • Please view your tracking link in your email receipt as Royal Mail will update you.

  • We strive for complete satisfaction, but if you are not 100% happy with your order, please do get in touch at info@thegoodbowelcompany.co.uk within 30 days of your purchase.

  • We’d love to hear from you! Call us on 07836708380 or email us info@thegoodbowelcompany.com

  • Yes — The Ostomate Journal and Low Fibre Shopping List is also available on Etsy.

Stoma FAQs

  • Your healthcare provider will advise how long your low fibre diet will last. Generally, it is only recommended up to six weeks after surgery. Follow your healthcare provider’s advice.

  • At your follow up appointment your healthcare provider will advise when to introduce high fibre food back into your diet. Start by gradually adding one food item at a time. Note down your daily food meal plan on The Reintroduction Stage pages of The Ostomate Journal.

  • At the back of The Ostomate Journal you’ll find your Food Snapshot. As the days go by, fill this in to create your own curated list of food that is working well and less well for you. It’s then all in one place when you next see your healthcare provider.

  • Visiting a restaurant can create memorable experiences with your friends, family and loved ones. Plan ahead, check the menu online, and phone or email the restaurant to ensure your dietary requirements can be met. Inform the waiter of any allergies to food and any restrictions – this is where your Food Snapshot at the end of The Ostomate Journal will come in handy.

    Try to keep to your eating schedule. If that is not possible, have a snack a couple of hours before the restaurant. Wear something comfortable and keep your stoma supplies with you along with The Ostomate Journal. Empty your pouch before you leave home.

    In The Ostomate Journal, you can build your own restaurant guide and jot down your review and favourite stoma-friendly dishes.

  • There are many resources available, and you can keep track of them in your Useful Resources library within The Ostomate Journal.

    Colostomy UK

    A UK based charity with a dedicated and experienced team to support and provide guidance for people living with a stoma. General enquires 0118 939 1537 (10.00am to 4.00pm) 24-hour stoma helpline 0800 328 4257.

    Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Association

    Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Association (IA) is a network of local groups across the UK and Ireland offering support to its members, their families and carers. Many of the trained volunteers offering support are themselves living life with a stoma following surgery. General enquires 0800 0184 724.  

    Chameleon Buddies

    Chameleon Buddies support individuals adapting to a stoma after childbirth.

    Inside Out Stoma Support Group

    A patient-led group providing help and advice for stoma patients.

    Stoma Heroes

    An organisation supporting and empowering people living with a stoma.

    NHS

    Contact your local Stoma Care Nurse Specialist (SCNS). Your NHS hospital often has a stoma care nursing available to patients and their families.

    Social media

    You will find inspirational people living with a stoma on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Many users on Reddit share their experiences with stomas.

  • Marks and Spencer are the first high street retailer to introduce stoma underwear for women and men. The women’s underwear was designed by their in-house team lingerie experts in collaboration with women living with stomas the charity Colostomy UK.

    Marks and Spencer in house team lingerie experts in collaboration with women living with stomas and the charity Colostomy UK. The men’s trunks have recently been launched in collaboration with Mesha Moinirad who underwent stoma surgery in 2013 and is a well-known key speaker and campaigner, along with other men living with stomas.

    For ladies, see here.

    For men, click here.