Post ileostomy x17 mo. Doing well!!! But a question—abdominal area seems to be getting bigger and more flabby. Has anyone else noticed this? Overall, I'm doing well and very thankful for that.
Kimy
Aug 16, 2025 2:55 pm
Ben38
Aug 16, 2025 3:48 pm
Core exercises should help, and it's the best thing we can do in the fight against hernias. Bigger could possibly be a hernia or just diet-related.
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Beachboy
Aug 16, 2025 4:29 pm
I'm at 2 years, 9 months after getting a colostomy. Lost 66 pounds during my medical adventure. Arrived home from the hospital weighing the same as when I was a sophomore in high school.
Slowly gained back 30 pounds and maintained that. I'm really skinny. Had to buy new clothes. Went from a size 36 waist to a 31. All good... right? Except I've developed a flabby waist. I look like a muffin top when wearing just pants. Didn't have any flab before surgery. My new "love handles" are uneven... lopsided.
But, so what. I avoided dying by the grace of God and a skilled surgeon. Yes... I will have another slice of chocolate cake. 😉
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NikkiD
Aug 17, 2025 12:00 am
Hi, I got my ileostomy on April 25th and lost more than 40 lbs from the first of April until I came home from the hospital on May 22. I weighed less than 100 pounds when I came home, but I have managed to gain 9 lbs. I still have a way to go to look healthy and fit. I'm not sure what my belly looks like because I still have an open surgical wound and the dressing covers most of my abdomen. What I can see does look flabby, but it may be loose skin from the weight loss.
I'm glad you are doing well and wish you the best.
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infinitycastle52777
Aug 17, 2025 2:30 pm
Do you think you have a hernia, or are you gaining weight? If you are gaining weight, just be mindful of what you are eating. Keep a food diary if you need to be mindful of what you are eating and how much. If you think you have a hernia, contact your doctor. You might need an MRI to confirm a hernia. I am glad; otherwise, you are doing well.