Dressing with an Ileostomy: Tips for Tight Jeans and Western Wear

I am fairly new to having an ileostomy. I had mine done in July 2009. I live in Arizona and before the surgery, I wore tight jeans. I notice in some of your pictures that you have on tight pants. My question is how are you able to do that when the bags either fill up with some air or bowel movement. I know that this probably seems like a vain question, but I miss not being able to dress the way I was used to. I am totally western, by which I mean I wear cowboy boots every day, a western-type top (used to tuck in), and used to wear jeans. I also miss not being able to wear my western belt and jeans with the top tucked in. I would appreciate any help or information.
Thank you very much.
Redneck Cowgirl
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You can still wear your jeans and belt, but you just have to do a little more work to do it. You can put Kleenex over the rim of the pouch which camouflages it. Use Beano to reduce the amount of gas that accumulates, and then just dump more frequently. Just remember that the pouch doesn't make the woman, and it doesn't have to control you.

Just me.

I hear you with wearing jeans, 501 Levi's...I swear by them. The only thing I can tell you is to try suspenders. I find it doesn't put too much pressure on the stoma and yet is comfortable.
Possibly go one size bigger as well? I don't like a belt pushing on the stoma, just being paranoid, and I'm sure it will be fine. 10 bucks or so, give it a shot, you never know. Trial and error with us folks.
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Ostomates rule!
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Just like Bag said, go one size bigger. What works best for me is an elasticated belt
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, just looks like a cloth belt, but doesn't chafe the flange, works great.
Cheers, Bob

Hi Red,

From my perspective, I have to wear pants a little larger. I don't like it, but I found that if I don't, I run the risk of buildup and leakage. This is especially important during those times when I am out in public or at work and don't have ready access to a bathroom. Other times, when I have much more flexibility, I wear tighter pants. The most annoying problem is the belt line that cuts right across the stoma. The larger size pants allow for better manipulation and less pressure on the stoma.

X_

How to Adjust to Life with an Ostomy with Bruce | Hollister

Redneck Cowgirl ~ a stoma shield will cover your stoma and allow you to tighten a belt directly above it.  Convatec provides their sports shields free in Canada, but these shields are not available in the States (perhaps a stoma nurse would know of an alternative). Here's a link to a discussion about stoma shields:

https://www.meetanostomate.org/discussion-forum/viewtopic.php?t=2138

I tried maternity jeans, but they don't stay up that well. Now I wear my regular jeans and don't button the button and put a belly band over. If it hangs out, it looks like a cami. I feel secure, can still wear my same jeans. I usually go with longer tops. Oh, and if you don't know, a belly band is a maternity thing.

[quote="three"]Redneck Cowgirl ~ A stoma shield will cover your stoma and allow you to tighten a belt directly above it. Convatec provides their sports shields free in Canada, but these shields are not available in the States (perhaps a stoma nurse would know of an alternative). Here's a link to a discussion about stoma shields:

https://www.meetanostomate.org/discussion-forum/viewtopic.php?t=2138



How do you obtain the Convatec shield?

Cheers, Bob

Hi Bob ~ Canadian residents can call Convatec at 1-800-465-6302 and ask for a free sports shield. You need to purchase an elastic belt (to clip to the shield) from an ostomy supply store. The Convatec belt is of poor quality; the Coloplast belt (0421) is much better and its clips fit the Convatec shield.

Thanks for the quick response. I'll give them a call.
Cheers, Bob

Thanks three. I looked on their website for it and typed it in their search box and it said no such item found. Maybe they don't put it on their website. I will give them a call this morning. Again, thanks.

I used to wear the traditional Wranglers too, but now I can't really do that, but that's okay. I wear Levi's, but they are called too superlow, I think. They sit below my stoma, which is comfortable, and tuck the tail of my pouch in the waist of my jeans. If it's a day that I'm more gassy, I wear a Bella Band. It helps smooth the bag under my shirt and keep it right where I want it. This all works well for me
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. Good luck!
Lydia