“A thoughtful, practical journal”: Specialist IBD Dietitian Darcy Ayton reviews The Ostomate Journal

HCPC-registered Specialist IBD Dietitian Darcy Ayton shares why she recommends The Good Bowel Company’s journal for people recovering from stoma surgery

To mark World Ostomy Day, The Good Bowel Company collaborated with Darcy Ayton on a giveaway offering one lucky winner a free copy of The Ostomate Journal and a free, one-off virtual consultation with Darcy. The collaboration brought together two complementary resources, helping raise awareness of the importance of practical tools and specialist dietary guidance for people living with a stoma.

A structured approach to food reintroduction

Darcy particularly values the journal’s dedicated food reintroduction section, which provides a step-by-step approach to exploring foods and recording individual responses.

She explains: “The Ostomate Journal is a fantastic resource for anyone recovering from stoma surgery, or simply wanting to keep track of their symptoms day to day. As a specialist dietitian, I particularly love the structured approach to reintroducing foods. It gives patients a clear, step-by-step way to build their diet back up, so they can expand what they eat with confidence rather than guesswork.”

The journal also includes dedicated sections for tracking stoma output, hydration, medication, food intake and symptoms, helping users build a record they can refer to when discussing their progress with healthcare professionals.

A calming companion during recovery

For Darcy, the journal’s visual design is another important feature. She adds: “It’s also beautifully illustrated, which makes it feel calming and inviting to use. Taking a few mindful minutes each day to check in with how you’re feeling can make such a difference, especially during recovery. A thoughtful, practical journal I’d happily recommend to my patients.”

Darcy Ayton is a specialist IBD dietitian and HCPC-registered healthcare professional. You can find her on Instagram at @darcy_dietitian.

Watch the World Ostomy Day giveaway on Instagram below:

Discover The Ostomate Journal and rebuild confidence with food following stoma surgery.

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