Swimming with an Ostomy: Advice for Plus-Size Individuals

I've been thinking that someday it would be nice to swim again but wonder if it's going to be too much trouble. I searched for "waterproof ostomy cover for swimming" on Amazon but I'm not sure I saw anything that's right for me. I have a big waist and wear size 3x-4x pants. Does anybody who's large-waisted swim? I'd like a product that keeps my ostomy pouch and wafer dry while swimming.

They have a lot of different wraps out there and have ones for swimming that have bathing suits for ostomies, which have a pocket for your bag. Shoot, they even have underwear with pockets for ostomates. You just have to search for it and Google it. There is a lot more out there than you think. When I first got my ostomy, I found all kinds of stuff. But you have to look.

Remember that your wafer is waterproof already. You can add flange extenders for additional security. You do not need waterproof.

Personally, I'd wear a wrap only to hold the bags against my skin. I'm afraid the urostomy bag in particular will want to float like a water balloon, and water currents will pull on it. I'm not afraid of the water removing adhesive. The bags don't come off in the shower.

Thanks

Thanks!

Stories of Living Life to the Fullest from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

I'd have to agree with SusanT, my usual Convatec bags don't come off in the shower, and neither does the Sensuro Mío I'm currently in. I remember someone testing theirs by sitting in a tub of water to see how it would work for them; it might not be a bad idea just to see how it will behave.

I live in Florida and go boating in the warm Gulf of Mexico during the summer, as well as having a pool and spa. I enjoy all three, but I don't do it for long periods of time. My pouch is waterproof, and the tape I use is also waterproof. I also use a belt to keep it more intact. But, there is never any problem. Enjoy.

Hi, I Aqua fit twice a week and go swimming once a week, and I haven't had a problem. I'm in the water for 1 hour each time. My bag will get wet, but it dries quickly and hasn't come off once, so go for it and enjoy.

I've had my ostomy for 15 years now. I use the Hollister brand of flanges and bags—2-piece systems. I've been in the ocean, lakes, pools, hot tubs, and cold plunges—never an issue.
I have tried some other ostomy products, but they actually let water into the bag! So I've chosen to stick with Hollister.

I've never had a problem in a swimming pool, and I've never added anything to my appliance. My bathing suit holds my bag against my skin, and it's fine. One thing I had a problem with was a hot tub. I stayed in too long, and the wafer loosened, and I had to change it.

Thanks, that's a good idea.

Thanks! I'll give it a try!

Thanks, I use Hollister too!

Thanks!

I agree. Had an ostomy since the age of 8 and swam nearly every day in the summer with nothing extra for protection. The worst that would happen is that I might get 1 or 2 days less wear time. Go do it and don't sweat it.

Do you have the product # for the two piece, I am always looking for options to test, and right now mine does not have longevity in the pool. 

There are so many products available, but nothing comfortable fitting for plus size. You will be better off getting a regular plus size item and making adjustments as needed. Wearing the ostomy belt to hold the bag in place is my go-to.

Hi there, I don't have any advice on size and keeping an ostomy dry; however, I felt the same about swimming and getting into a jacuzzi. After several years of avoiding it for all the reasons a person with an ostomy worries about, I just did it. I put on a tank top and a skort and went swimming. It was wonderful. If you have to change your pouch right after because it's wet or maybe leaked under the seal but not into the water, so be it! As long as you're not having your pouch leak where it would contaminate the pool, you are fine. After that experience, I continue to swim and go into spas with friends. Our pouching systems can work okay for swimming. Make sure it's secure before, and if you feel the activity may require you to change it after, it's all worth the wonderful feeling of swimming and getting the exercise we all need. Best of luck to you, and remember, you can do anything you used to. Just make that first step.

Thanks!

Thanks, Maureen!

Hello, I am your same size. I love swimming and always swam a lot. I do have to say it is more work than just diving in now. I plan my swim around light eating beforehand and time for a pouch change after I'm done. I recently found a pouch that stays on much better, and that has been life-changing. I have not swum using this pouch; maybe it won't require a change, but I'm doubtful. I see no way around it getting wet. I have the swim wrap, but still, it is wet. Also, unfortunately, after my swim, if at all beach, it is straight home. BUT I'm alive and thankful to have the chance to swim even though it's different. I hope you get in the water soon.

I am happy to report that I just tried swimming for the first time and loved it and had no problems! I am also plus size and wear a 2-piece Hollister. I couldn't find anything that would be truly waterproof over my bag, so I finally decided just to go for it. It was heaven to be in the water! My suggestions are to put on a new bag/wafer the day before or far enough in advance that it's had time to get really well attached. Then I wore a separate top and bottom "tankini" so I could peek now and then if I got worried. I also suggest that at least the first time, you do not stay wet after your swim. I changed into dry clothes and dried the bag/wafer. I think if I had hung out at the pool for a long time with the wafer staying wet, it would have been riskier. Be brave and good luck! You are going to love it!

Aloha,

I went in the ocean with my ostomy bag, and my suit, which is a one-piece and ruched in the front, kept it in place. I usually had a movement in the morning after my tea and then would put on a smaller bag that an Ostomate sent me. It might be one they use for kids?? (The larger one was fine as well.) I would then not eat before going to the ocean. It worked fine for me. I didn't need anything "waterproof."

I swim nearly every day in the summer. I just put on my swimming costume and go. Everything gets wet, but it has always stayed on and there are no leaks. No problems at all. I tested swimming first in the ocean before I went to my local pool just for confidence. Go swimming.....

I am waiting to go back to my daily aqua aerobics class. I guess it's correct that the bags are waterproof; I'm just worried that staying in the water for an hour might be a bit much, but I am going to give it a try when I get the IVs removed. I'm waiting for the PICC line for TPN and saline to be removed. No need to buy any special clothing, just wear shorts and a T-shirt; that's what I will do. I did purchase a "waterproof" pouch with a belt that is supposed to be for swimming, but water will still get in the back, which is open.

Let me know if anyone has good experience swimming. And I like to get in the warm water (93 degrees) for some of the classes.

You can use pink tape; it is waterproof. I have had an ileostomy for over 50 years. I have been swimming in lakes, oceans, and hot tubs, and I've had no problems.

Pink tape?

Thanks for your reply!

Thanks!

Please report back after you've been in the water for the first time. I'd love to hear how it went. I went in for my second post-ileostomy swim today, and it was a success again. I think you'll be happy once you bite the bullet and do it.