Does Stoma Size Change with Weight Gain After Surgery?

Replies
10
Views
121
Mimipark
Jul 15, 2025 4:24 pm

As you gain your pre-surgery weight back? I lost about 10 pounds before my surgery because of being so ill, and then on clear liquids and not having an appetite. My appetite has improved, about back to normal. My ostomy surgery (I have a colostomy) was the first week of April. I have now gone back to my "normal" weight.

I know your stoma shrinks as you heal, and mine was down to an odd shape between 31mm and 35mm. Now I am having to go up to a 38 to get the correct fit. I just wanted to ask if that was to be expected. Thanks.

infinitycastle52777
Jul 15, 2025 5:07 pm
Very helpful

Stomas do change size and shape. Often, when they are active, they get bigger, and when inactive, they get smaller. But it is also true that as you heal, your stoma is settling on the size and shape it is going to be. So be patient with it, and it will settle down to the size it is going to be. It doesn't hurt to cut the wafer a little bigger. Just be sure you get the proper fit without strangling the poor little guy.

Gray Logo for MeetAnOstoMate

Justbreathe

MeetAnOstoMate website turned out to be a lifesaver for me. I say this because, for me, this ostomy journey was a devastating event both physically and mentally.
Here, I found folks who understood my feelings even better than my family or friends could. Only a fellow ostomate can understand how you really feel.

Information sharing is key, as well as support and understanding, to ultimately bring more harmony into our ostomy life journey. I found here, virtually no ostomy questions that are not touched upon. Questions which some might feel, may be too trivial to contact a doctor about or even too shy or embarrassed to ask their own doctor about. They are all addressed here.

For me, anonymity was very helpful in seeking answers to each phase of this life changing medical and mental event. Sharing initial trauma feelings, ongoing support and finally acceptance was what I found with my membership here. I am not sure what my mental and physical attitude would be today without having found this site.

Additional benefits included: finding products and ideas to help with daily maintenance, innovative ideas and as a bonus - some great humor.
After all “laughter IS the best medicine”.

I have been a member for 3 years, an ostomate for 4 years - yes, I certainly wish I would have found it immediately after surgery but so very thankful I finally found it when I did as I truly believe it turned my troubled depression and situation into a more positive attitude and acceptance.

Sincerely,
An Ileostomate nicknamed Justbreathe 🫶🏼

grate
Jul 15, 2025 5:14 pm
Very helpful

That sounds pretty normal; mine changed too after I started eating better and gained some weight back. It got smaller at first during healing, then a little bigger later on, kind of like what you're saying. I think it's just your body settling and adjusting if your stomach area fills out again. As long as you're getting a good fit with the wafer and not cutting it too tight, you should be fine.

Mimipark
Jul 15, 2025 6:15 pm

Thank you so much for your reply. It makes me feel a bit more comfortable with the change. Sometimes I think I am overcautious still with how I am cutting the wafer and measuring, and then trimming, and measuring... So far, I have been doing okay; it just takes me a while.

Thanks again!

Mimipark
Jul 15, 2025 6:17 pm

Thank you so much for your reply. It makes me feel better being able to ask the group and have someone who has experienced this reply. It makes me feel better. Yes, I've been doing well with a good fit. I just think I'm too fussy yet, and it takes me a while because I cut, and measure, and cut a little more, and measure.....

Thanks again.

 

Airport Security Tips Living with an Ostomy with April | Hollister

Play
Ben38
Jul 15, 2025 6:17 pm
Very helpful

Yes, it is normal, and it's recommended by nurses to measure our stomas every month. They can change shape and size over time, as mine has often over the last 30 years. When you first have a stoma, they usually get smaller, but not always. Then, as time goes by, they usually get bigger, say over the next 20 to 30 years.

Mimipark
Jul 15, 2025 6:19 pm

Thank you so much for your reply. I actually measure every change. I guess I'm still too new; I'm afraid of wasting a wafer if I don't cut it just right. I'm getting better; I'm just fussy.

It's good to know I have this group to come to to ask such a question, and that there are others here who will answer.

Thanks again.

AlexT
Jul 15, 2025 6:20 pm
Very helpful

Yep, it can change.

Mimipark
Jul 15, 2025 6:21 pm

Thank you. I appreciate the reply.

Morning glory
Jul 15, 2025 7:05 pm
Very helpful

Perfectly normal. You are going to be fine.

infinitycastle52777
Jul 15, 2025 7:46 pm
Very helpful

It's okay that it takes you a while. There is no rush. Take your time and get it just right for you.