If it looks a little too loose, then buy the next size down.
IGGIE
Apr 11, 2025 8:37 am
AlexT
Apr 11, 2025 8:11 pm
A belt or wrap isn't made to keep your bag attached, no matter how tight you get one. A belt or wrap is made to add more pressure to help keep the bag closer to your body (take the weight off your seal), to aid in keeping your bag attached, and to hide your bag from the public. If your bag is already loose and not sealed correctly, nothing you put on will keep it 100% sealed. That's why you must figure out the issue with your bag coming loose when it gets wet first before worrying about getting in a pool, lake, or wherever you want to go swimming. This is a common sense thing: fix the adhesion issue first, then worry about adding more protection and a cover to hide it. If you really want to lose confidence, which you seem to be lacking, put a belt on and go jump in a busy pool with a bag that won't stick. You'll have the pool to yourself in no time. 😁
MeetAnOstoMate is a remarkable community of 41,452 members.
“Every morning with my coffee, I read here and feel wrapped in warmth - I hardly post, but it still feels like family.”
“Our oncologist literally wrote down the link; they said more patients need this website.”
“This place pulled me out of the dark. I went from lurking to living again.”
“At 3am, someone’s awake somewhere in the world. I’m never alone here.”
Posted by: Audrey Warren
This site is a godsend. As a newbie (colostomy on Nov 8, '21), I look at it every day for a number of reasons. Reading what people are going through makes me grateful that my elective surgery because of a severe case of IBS-C is nothing compared to what they have been through and are still living with.
I don't have to go to the hospital for anything related to my ostomy. I feel sorry for those who do and am in awe of those who can use humor to describe their ordeal. I identify with those who express their fears. I especially identify with those who are depressed because I am clinically depressed and have general anxiety disorder. How ironic that having a colostomy eliminated some of the depression and anxiety that the IBS created. I've been widowed twice and I'm on match.com.
I immediately included my operation in my profile and am pleased to say it doesn't seem to make a difference.
And there is much humor on this site and it's one of the reasons I enjoy it so much.
I could name numerous things I've learned from reading people's comments/questions/answers.
After months following on a daily basis, my only negative comment is I don't like listing the most popular members.
It's not that I don't like these people; I do. It's that I think it elicits some "Facebook"-like banter or comments that are gratuitous.
I don't do any social media and think that its merits are overshadowed by too much negativity.
Meetanostomate is in no way negative. I just think the gallery of "popularity" detracts from what is an excellent website that deals with a serious issue that causes a myriad of emotions.
Past Member
Apr 11, 2025 11:00 pm
Mr. Bright, I don't think you are getting it. Your first and highest priority before doing anything is getting a bag that will adhere to your skin and stay stuck. You can't do anything until you get that problem resolved. Which could be a lot of factors: it could be that the type of wafer doesn't work for you and your skin, it could be that you're not making sure the skin is 100% fully dry before putting on the wafer, or you're not thoroughly cleaning it. No residue from your ring or wafer should be on the skin, and nothing with moisturizers or perfumes or traces of adhesive remover. Also, try not using the barrier wipes.
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BossyVos
Apr 12, 2025 3:35 am
I ordered a neoprene belt that is custom to the size of your barrier and has a zipper pocket that your bag fits in. The belt has Velcro so you can tighten it snugly. I used it in Hawaii; it was amazing. Salt water, pool water, body surfing, and outrigger paddling. I have also water-skied with the belt. I ordered through StealthBelt. Link below: