Does Stoma Size Change with Weight Gain After Surgery?

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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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.

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.

Yep, it can change.

Thank you. I appreciate the reply.

Perfectly normal. You are going to be fine.

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