Hi, I think how often one changes iis a personal preferance, with practicality being a mitigating factor.. I have my ostomy for over 55 years, and that first year I was luck if the temporary paper and plastic pouch stayed on for a few hours. I was a lso in a back brace for 6 months after, so I w as used to the every day cleanup. When I got fitted for what was t he " new" reusable rubber pouch, and plastic flange, I used a flamable glue, to hold t he things in place. a metal ring fit around the wafer and edge of the pouch to hold it together, and we used rubber bands to close the spout.. Those supplies, although ugly, and smelly & messy, actually g ot me through 3 or 4 and sometimes more days... But I had to give up baths. as soap softened my skin, and caused the paste not to stick.. So I showered, but was able to go in the ocean and the pool ( cold water)... I don't remember the time f rame, but I do remember the new, disposible, pouches and wafers.. When I put it on for the first time, I actually cried.. I couldn't even feel it, and there was " no weight". Wear time was between 5 - 7 days... and that's the way it's r emained for the last 20+ ( or more years). That is, until I developed some gastric issues, which were reactions to the normal foods I was eating. It was IBS symptoms, which seems strange since I have no large intestine ( or rectum),,I finally went to a gastro doctor, who knew the answer immediately... Fodmaps... which are undigestible sugars, that are found in a lot of foods ( beans, some vegetables, most fruits, and the worst, are artificial sugars... When ostomates talk about having " bile like output", think more about possilbe food intolerances... When something d oesn't agree with me, first I get gas ( pouch fills up, but no out put)..next come the cramps, and then the profusion of yellow to green transparent liquid.. The fiber may find it's way out later...This was happening 2-3 times a week, even when I ate c arefully... The culprit....drinking lemon or lime / artificial sugar drinks ( no caffein of carbonated drinks for me). That was the end of crystle lite... I've spent the last 6 months " testing" various foods and groups, and sometimes, all is well, and other times not so good.. But I have a better sense now, of what will trigger " the runs", and the dehydration. My diet is now quite restrictive, but I continue to test, foods sporadically.. While I have " the runsn", I can't keep the wafer on for 6 hours, much less a few days. The acidity eats away at any wafer... It's b een an upsetting, and depressing situation, but I'm in better control now, and try to be careful... I can get a 1 day, 3-5 days, or a full seven or more, depending on the output.. Today, not so good....I leaked unexpectedly, but expected it, because of a very liquid output... Just had protein for dinner... Want to lose weight anyway... Best of luck with everyone... Enjoy the summer, but stay safe..