Concealment Tips for Upper Abdomen Ileostomy

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148
Prospero122
Jul 08, 2025 12:53 am

I had a parastomal hernia that required convexity for some time and damaged my parastomal skin. My surgeon moved my stoma up several inches on my abdomen, which now placed it above my belt line. I need concealment strategies. I am a teacher and need solid concealment. I will wear a stoma belt and continue to wear suspenders with my trousers. I was thinking... will patterned and striped loose suit shirts be enough with the stoma belt? Any helpful advice is appreciated.

IGGIE
Jul 08, 2025 3:06 am

I wear a shirt that is a size bigger than normal and wear it outside my trousers, and the more pattern there is, the more it hides the stoma.

IGGIE

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w30bob
Jul 08, 2025 6:45 am

Hi Pro,

Geez.....that's a tough one. Kids notice EVERYTHING........and if a teacher of mine had something like an ostomy bag back in the day....we'd know it. I'm not in a school setting, but I typically wear a normal-length t-shirt (which hides my bag with a couple of inches to spare) and a thin or thick flannel shirt over that, depending on the season. If I know I'll be doing a lot of bending and stretching, I just button the bottom button and no one ever sees anything. You could also buy a fanny pack with a sports logo on it (Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, etc.) and cut a hole in the back for your bag to fit into.......if you're the fanny pack type. I had some teachers that wore a sport jacket all the time.......I guess that would work too. Let us know what you figure out, as fashion comes up a lot on here and we're always eager for new tips.

;O)

xnine
Jul 08, 2025 11:06 am

I wear a tummy sleeve from a maternity shop. It holds the bag close.

Mr Brightside
Jul 08, 2025 11:14 am

I have a vest I wear under my T-shirt - it's a compression anti-hernia one made by CUI Wear. It holds the bag in and masks it a bit. I still have a bump where the stoma is, but I'm sat behind a desk mainly at work.

 

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Hugo
Jul 08, 2025 2:38 pm

I wear oversized, extra-long shirts, but I no longer care about any bulge showing. I have a large peristomal hernia, which makes it harder to conceal. However, I can certainly understand your concern considering your situation. I am retired now, which makes it easier, and I live in the desert where casual rules the day. I hope you find something suitable.

infinitycastle52777
Jul 08, 2025 4:58 pm

I wear oversized T-shirts untucked. You can wear a button-down shirt untucked, and it might do the trick. You could wear a wrap. Hmm... you could wear a sport jacket over your shirt or a suit jacket.

Maried
Jul 09, 2025 6:06 am

 


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