Hernia Belt Advice for Post-Op Ileostomy Care

Let's talk about hernia belts, preferably ones to prevent a hernia.
I am 7 weeks post-op with an ileostomy.
So I am getting very anxious about getting outside and getting some work done, but I will let myself heal up some more.
One of my concerns is developing a hernia.
I talked to my stoma nurse and she said, "Don't get a hernia belt with a hole for your ostomy, because they don't help around the stoma site. Just get a wrap that you can pull tight over the whole ostomy." When questioned about pancaking, she said that I don't need to worry about that. But if I had concerns, I could use a stoma guard.
So I went surfing on the net. The best I could find was a Stomaplex, but I know the wrap they use will probably last 6 months. Also found Ostomy Armor. Really expensive, but makes a lot of sense.
Any advice as to what a person should be buying, or experience?
Thanks in advance.

Female ileo-ostomate here, I was measured for an ostomy belt by two WOC nurses... the hole is large and seems to make my stoma and surrounding area puff out way too much, and it is not comfortable. I wear leggings (tights) a lot, which are very comfortable, and occasionally I have had pancaking - not very often though. A hole-less belt that is too tight would seem to me to cause pancaking. Sorry, no answers for you, just some "FYI." Good luck in your search. - jb

Your ostomy nurse is probably 100% correct if you want to really try and prevent a hernia. The other part is your physical activity. Once you get a hernia, those protector dome/cover things are kind of worthless because they really stick out since your stoma area is now rounded. In my opinion, the best wrap/belt thing would be something like the Stomaplex guard and then a wide belt that goes over the whole midsection area (maybe 7, 8, 9 inches wide) and not just wide enough to cover the stoma area. I don't think it has to be so tight to be uncomfortable but tight enough to offer support. Of course, pancaking may become an issue depending on your output thickness. Personally, I have a hernia and wear a wrap that covers my whole midsection when I go out or to work; I don't wear it around the house. The wrap I use isn't tight enough, in my opinion, to help with preventing a hernia but it helps keep my bag close to my skin and not hang free. I deal with pancaking whether I wear the wrap or not.

No belt will stop hernia. I'm a plumber, 7 kids, 14 grandkids; needless to say, I do my share of lifting. I use Nu-Hope 8” center hole belt. Again, no belt stops hernia, but this belt offers tons of support.

Good luck

Thanks for the replies. It is good to hear the real-life experiences of what you use.

I also see you can order a Nu Hope with an extra prolapse flap for more support.

Words of Encouragement from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

The first one I tried had too large of an opening... that and not being careful enough resulted in a hernia.

This is the one that I use now and it works well for me. The opening is barely large enough, so I get good pressure all around my stoma.

Ibnotuiy Ostomy Support Belt Hernia Abdominal Binder Stoma Band for Colostomy Patients Prevent Parastomal Hernia 2.76 inch Hole White (L) https://a.co/d/0RRAK1i

Does your ostomy bag still go through the hole?

Hi Cplumber

I 100% agree with what you say... no belt will prevent a hernia. I have read that in a few places as well. I have a eurostoma, c/w a full-blown hernia, which is now fairly large (about the size of half a large grapefruit). I'm in my 12th Ostomy year, having had my operation on September 4, 2012. My hernia showed up the next spring. My cancer doctor said, "Just don't get fat!" I have never been fat. I weigh the same as I did when I was married 55 years ago. (I'm a lively and healthy 82-year-old). I also have a few Ostomy belts with holes for the wafer made by Hope, and 3 and 4 inches wide. I usually wear one of them right after changing my appliance for at least a few hours. One of the things to do is to lay down for a few minutes after putting the belt on to let your innards actually return to their place and be innards. I also like the supported feeling I get from it but do find it uncomfortable to wear for the whole day, so usually don't. Later, Jim7 😎🇨🇦

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Hi Cplumber

I 100% agree with what you say... no belt will prevent a hernia. I have read that in a few places as well. I have a eurostoma, c/w a full-blown hernia, which is now fairly large (about the size of half a large grapefruit). I'm in my 12th Ostomy year, having had my operation on September 4, 2012. My hernia showed up the next spring. My cancer doctor said, "Just don't get fat!" I have never been fat. I weigh the same as I did when I was married 55 years ago. (I'm a lively and healthy 82-year-old). I also have a few Ostomy belts with holes for the wafer made by Hope, and 3 and 4 inches wide. I usually wear one of them right after changing my appliance for at least a few hours. One of the things to do is to lay down for a few minutes after putting the belt on to let your innards actually return to their place and be innards. I also like the supported feeling I get from it but do find it uncomfortable to wear for the whole day, so usually don't. Later, Jim7 😎🇨🇦

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It's a "barely" situation. Truly, I wish it were just 1/4" larger, but it works for my needs as it is.

Helpful...thanks!

Good morning. I pulled the pin today and bought an ostomy armor belt. The price makes me gasp a little, but I will need something for the next 20+ years.

I will report back as to what it is like.