Clothing and Swimming with an Ostomy

ok i am having a heck of a time here.. how do you guys out there wear jeans or slacks with a belt and your shirt tucked in??  i have fought this long enough... i gotta know.. i feel like a slob with oversized t-shirts worn outside my britches just to cover my bag... and tucking it in when i wear jeans and slacks with a belt just isn't working...

I'm thinking of getting a Stealthbelt Pro for day-to-day use.   Does anyone have any experience with this or the family of Stealthbelt products?   Tickpol (Dave)

Hi I am trying to contact any one who lives in the UK Blackpool area, to ask them about swimming pools sutable for us with a Stoma.

Hi Gang,   Do you wear your seatbelt when driving?  Due to my high output I never wore my belt......but after getting pulled over a zillion times I now wear it.  Since I don't want it over my stoma I pull the shoulder strap out and run it over my right knee (instead of over my stoma).  Every cop who has pulled me over always appologized profusely and got me back on my way quickly after I lifted my shirt and showed them why I wasn't wearing my belt.  But being pulled over was getting to be a pain in the arse, so no...

Hi everyone, I still can't figure out how to wear pants. If I wear them too low it pushes up on the adhesive when I sit and loosens the base. If I wear them just above my ostomy bag they pull down on the stoma and I get blisters at the base of my stoma. Can anyone explain to me how they deal with wearing pants? If the pants are too tight then how does the stool make it to the bottom of the bag. I feel as if I need to  bring back the MC Hammer parachute pants.LOL Even sweats that are too bulky weigh on it and aggravate my stoma. Winte...

     Swim suit season is always a trigger for most people- the image they have of themselves showing more skin. Some people are comfortable in a bikini, others perfer a one peice and others the tank-ini.       For both girls are boys with an Ostomy- how are we to handle being in a swim suit while also being socially acceptable.       M y take on this subject is having the attitude of- be yourself. I dont see how having an Ostomy changes anything about ho...

Have had my Ostomy since the end of July. Still trying to figure out how to wear my jeans. Any ideas? I'm not into hipsters by the way.

Hi there Brand new to the forum, and I have a quick question. Do I have to go out and purchase all new underwear, or can I say with my comfy cotton Hanes? My ileal conduit surgery is scheduled for 3/6, and I believe my dx is a neurogenic bladder caused by my underlying condition of multiple sclerosis. In advance, thank you!  

I know this sounds like a stupid question, but I have a two piece bag, I change the wafer thingy once-twice a week and the bags I just put on take off and throw away, no mess no nothing, nice actually, but I love to swim and get scared that if i swim, i have to wrap it and do all of this silly stuff, in fear of it falling off? Anyone have any ideas, I've got 2 boys who love to swim, and I love swimming myself, so if anyone could shoot a secret or two my way that's be great thanks!

In the brief 22 months Ive had my ileo I have been asked at least a hundred times "whats that bulge under your shirit".And on perhaps 8-9 times while in a store Ive been accused of stealing something.But the last time I flew to guam The airport checker  was frisking me and grabbed the bag.He asked me to lay it on the table.I thought about it for a few seconds and asked him do you REALLY want me to do that,he said yes.I lifted my shirt and of course I wear my clear bags for flying,and he promptly emptied his lunch in the...

I am  going to finally get released in a couple of months back to the gym.  I had a permanent ostomy in March and many complications, but I am so ready to go back to my life again.   Question:  If you have experience in Swimming what do you use?  Your regular bag or do you know of any bags made for swimming? Question:  Has anyone who runs or works out used anything at the gym to cover the pouch because of the heavy sweating?  I wondered if anyone has used a cover so the ...

I recently had surgery (2 months ago) to remove my colon after a 30 month Crohn's flare.  I am looking for advice on wearing my dress pants and casual attire.  My stoma is located about an inch below my belly button.  I can wear my pants just below the stoma, but they restrict the flow into my pouch.  My current warddrobe of pants do not work wearing above the stoma.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated as i am back to work and stuggling with wearing pants.  Thanks.

I would like to know if anyone with a ileostomy w a colostomy how they deals w their setup while being immersed in bathtub & swimming pool. I have had my setup since 1997. But just haven't accessed helpful information BC had lots of little illnesses & recently becoming more computer savory. , I have a huge avid love for swimming &this has been greatly less since my surgery and would like to know my options of being able to keep wafer good for a week time. I find it difficult to do both(swim as much as I want & only have to change wafer on...

I've been wearing pants that are two sizes to big, in order to accommodate my appliance, for the last 12 years. I read someones post a few weeks ago and they suggested maternity pants. Well, I came out of the dressing room with a BIG SMILE on my face. I had to adjust the top and put in a piece of elastic to hold them up but I no longer have to wear big baggy pants.  Thank you so much.

hi all, ive been reading through this sites many useful posts and im still unclear as to the use, pro's and con's of the ostomy belt. ive been to many websites and there are dozens to choose from, Ive been nearly six weeks post op for my stoma and am starting to get out more and with a view to returning to work in a month or so.  the advice given is helpful but as an osto 'noob' im still unclear as to the benefits of using a belt. my care nurse never mentioned anything to me about belts or mufflers, she wasnt very helpful with ...

This is my first stoma summer and I just bought a new one piece swim suit yesterday. I am wondering for those of you that do swim, when you do, do you have to change to a new bag that same day or not too far after? I know the wafer is meant to absorb moisture so if you have moisture on the inside from the stoma and also on the outside from the pool water it would lessen the stickiness to the skin, right? Please let me know, thanks.

what are the advantages/disadvantages of using a belt for my stoma bag? I had my colostomy 2 months ago and am searching for best solutions for comfort, changing etc.

hi there ladies,i just wanted to bring up the topic of sexy underwear,i have a few questions,do you girls miss the sexy underwear lingerie companies such as anne summers and la senza offer? ive noticed theres a few companies out there that offer "sexy" ostomy underwear but am i alone in thinking that the underwear on offer is pretty and well want for a better word safe? the colour schemes are bland,do the designers of these companies believe that just because we have ostomies that we dont want out there hellava sexy underwear,of ...

Hi Gang,   Just wondering.........do you wear the elastic belt with your barrier or not?  I'm not talking about a StealthBelt or similar product, I mean the cheesy little 1" skin colored elastic belt that clips to both sides of your barrier.  I ask because I do, but whenever I search online (like for stoma tattooes or ostomy bags) I rarely ever see people wearing the belt.  I distinctly remember the ostomy nurse after my operation telling me to wear it.....so I have.  I wear it for peice of mind mainly, because I ...

I have tried quite a few things, but recently had to getloaner car from dealership.  My stoma does not like the seatbelt pressure.  2 cardboard bowls for added strength round out nicely for coverage and bowls stay put.  No pressure on bag to impede drainage.

Here is another great video I found on YouTube:

Hi, I've got my first holiday since surgery six months ago booked - going to Florida in a month or so. Most of the trip is based around watersports. Are there any products I can get, like waistbands, bag covers etc that will keep my bag dry when swimming, or at least cover up my scars above the waistline of my shorts!?   Any feedback is welcome. Cheers.

Okay dumb question,how to wear the ostomy belt?? even with stoma or at your waist??Even with stoma and it squishes in hips,nice indentation with jeans on? Thanks

About a year ago I had custom lingere made by Rigby and Peller which has a shop on Bond street in London. I worked with one of their seemstresses there to design corsetts made with a little pocket and enough substance in the front to make things smooth. I also had the front extend a bit lower into the pubic area to hide most of my scar. about an inch of the scar shows....not a big deal. The lingere wast cheap but it wasnt crazy expensive either. Each piece may have been about 75 to 100 pounds. If you are a long time member of the site I'l...

 My surgery for rectal cancer is scheduled October 9, and I will emerge from surgery with an ostomy.   Naturally, I have a lot of questions and my learning curve will be very steep.  But, my immediate question is about clothing to wear with an ostomy. I would like to go shopping before the surgery if possible but I’m not sure about what to buy.   My typical work attire is khakis and button-down shirt, but I am self-employed and have a lot of latitude in my wardrobe.  Do I buy clothes that fit me now, or a siz...

Was in my daughters swimming pool for 2-3 hrs last Sat.  First time in 3 yrs since my stoma was installed.  It was Great.  My wafer is fine, as a matter of fact, I am still wearing the same one today, (Wed).  So C'mon people...Enjoy yourselves!!!

Hi all,  I was just wondering if anyone else out there has ever been given any guidance on swimming or doing Aquafit with a large  (well, the size of half a melon!) hernia?  I am desperately trying to lose weight and am now trying Slim Fast as I can't eat any green veg or normal diet foods, but I thought some exercise might help and as I am so restricted with that as well (bad heart means I can only walk 10 metres normal pace), thought that swimming might help, although I am not a particularly good one. &...

Hi guys and girls!!! I want to ask  if you  wear geans because after my surgery ( i have ileostomy) I can't wear geans. Is there any jean that I can wear without problems for my stoma? Thank you very much!!!   (sorry for my poor english)

Hi Folks, i have been donated over 1000 pairs of Comfizz stoma support underware, i am at a loss as to what i should do with them. There are Mens unisex boxers M/L and L/XL, and ladies briefs M/L and L/XL, both styles come in black and white, all new still in their packages and they are actually very very comfy lol. (i'm test driving a pair now lol). Now in my opinion they do not fall under the catagory of "emergency supplies" that the foundation sends out to folks, so i am really stuck as to what to do with them ? Has anyone ...

I had my colostomy august 2013, I was a jeans man, tall slim built. Has anyone else encountered a problem with wearing jeans? The colostomy was a life changing event in a lot of ways this is only one of my issues. I currently only wear elastic waist chinos or sweat pants. Any input is appreciated   Thanks Dynodon

I have been recently told that seatbelts and ileostomys do not mix.  In a serious accident you would bleed out so fast that it would be all over quickly--  This was from a very reputable medical person.   I know I find the belt most uncomfortable as I have an ileostomy and do the driving thus the hook is on my right side.   I was told that cushions or a small pillow will not help in an accident bad enough that the airbag deploys.   Does anyone have any info on this???    Thank you--    

So, since I've had my ostomy, I've never tucked it into any pants that are fitted through the butt (so, track pants, yes; jeans, khakis, women's dress pants no).  Instead, I modify the waistbands of my pants to hit lower than the flange, then I wear the bag over with a longer shirt to cover. However, I've become curious: how are you (especially those with ileostomies) handling the fact that the bag expands when you're covering it with close-fitting material that doesn't stretch?  Especially when your hip joint is there so the mo...

Hello there, everyone. Once again I'm compelled to ask a question about how some of you handle a particular situation, i.e swimming. My mother had irreversible illeostomy surgery almost 2 years ago.  Before she had the surgery, she enjoyed going to the local YMCA to swim.   During the first year, she had some accidents, in the form of the bag leaking, or falling off.  She now thinks she can no longer swim, and she actually started to cry about this, recently. Do any of you swim?  I'm sure that ma...

hi & thank you for the tips on irritated skin. What' everybody doing about swimming, is there a good cover to wear?

I'm rather new at this and would like to know how others handle swimming when you have an ostomy--especially the men?  My wife and I are going on a cruise in about 2 weeks and I am really anxious about swimming.  My colostomy is high on the left (above the beltline).  I normally use Sensura 2-piece.  It has been suggested that I use a short-sleve wetsuit but I think that would be awfully hot in the tropics.  What do you think?

Hello all, I have just had my op, I'm three weeks into my recovery and doing quite well by all accounts. There's just a few things I am a bit worried about, if any body could help it would be greatly appreciated. First off before my op I was told I would be fine wearing tight clothing but now I've had it a few week I just can't see how I'm going to be able to fit the type of clothing I like to wear. I am a bit of a mod, which involves nice slim clothing but because the bag balloons I can't see how it is possible! Seconodly I am slightly...

Has anyone come up with anything to waterproof your appliance? I’ve heard about using pink tape. Anything else. Also suggestions for traveling? Going on a Viking cruise and scared to death of leakage during the night. 

I happend to live in an island in the med, where from June to September, we can go swimming daily. The problem was, that I was unable to fully hide my appliance, underneath my trunks. What I did was to cut the flange hole , off centre, elongated towards the top. This way the whole appliance moves downwards, able to hide all, yet, not artifacts !

Hey y'all! I like to ask a question about the ostomy belt. Does anyone have any issues with theirs that clips on to the waffer? My belt on the single layer side always rolls up becomes deformed and digs into my side. On the double layer side it does not happen. Thanks

Hi, I have read several different posts in which people reccomend different yummie tummie products, spanx products, and other things such as this. I am not sure which one to get or which one works best and these are things I dont think you can try on. My main issue is that when my bag starts to fill up its all at the bottom area and getting fatter and fatter. also when I wear jeans the surgeon and wcon said to make sure the stoma is above the jeans which is fine but Sometimes it doesnt work as well and different people have suggest wearing...

hi all does anyone know where to get a swimsuit .i m due to go on holiday later in the year and have never managed to get a decent swimsuit that does actually hide the bag,i did buy one from a company in the uk  who make ostomy products but it was no good and really old fashioned,any suggestions welcome i wish i was good at dressmaking i d do it myself isabella

Hi all, Just wondering if there are any ostomates who have travelled to Israel and swam in the Dead Sea. I know they warn people not to open their eyes under the water there because it is so concentrated with salt.  I wanted to know if anyone has swam in the water and felt any pain/severe stinging around their stoma due to the strong salt? I'm planning to swim/float there on my trip to Israel soon and wanted to know if I should prepare myself somehow? Any advice/tips would be appreciated :)

I have had a really difficult time wearing jeans.  Someone mentioned they buy their jeans at the maternity shop. They said that the stretchy top part is more comfortable.  Have any of you ladies out there ever done this before??  How did it work for you?

I just had my emergency surgery just over a month ago, and came off the wound vac less than a week ago. The incision is still closing and the scar forming. I now have a colostomy that may be able to be reversed in a few months. I was also laid off my job becaus of the legnth of stay in the hospital.   The doctors and nurses really did not pepare me for life with an ostomy. I basically learned how to change the appliance (seems from reading here that is the correct term). I have kind of had to learn to empty it and keep it clean...

Hi again! I have only had my sodomy for a little over 8yrs and am still trying to figure things out after yrs to stay away from certain things for fear of the appliance leaking. One of those things is swimming.  My appliance doesn't like to stay on when it gets set so I have been avoiding swimming. But I love swimming. Does anyone else have this issue? What do u do to avoid it coming off? That's my fear...that I will get it set and it will dfall. Incidentally...is there such a thing as a small athletic bag that hides the fact that ...

Do anyone know if those are good.  I want a good one to try and not get hernia....thanks

Hello, I'm new to having an ileostomy (surgery on 17/3/17) and I'm a bit concerned about how I would go about wearing clothes with a belt. I don't see how I can wear a belt without constricting the bag and either causing issues or causing me to have to be in and out of the loo all of the time to prevent it from over-filling above the waistline. I've already had an issue with a pair of shorts that fitted me perfectly fine before I had an ostomy, but once the bag filled a little bit, they were too restrictive and nothing fell below the wais...

I am a pretty new ostomate (about 2 months or so). I am having trouble properly supporting my tummy and stoma site - my face plate now rests on a small "hill" of tummy, and when the pouch starts to fill, it drags and swings against the stoma area. I have tried some belts and other supports that go around the waist and over the entire stoma/faceplate/pouch assembly, and that does feel more comfortable than the swing and drag, but that has problems of its own. When I cover and support everything, it pushes the pouch against the faceplate, an...

I went to a support group meeting and a heated topic came up.  Made me uncomfortable just the way it was handled. Topic was hernia belts and not optional from speakers point.  Stated if you have an ostomy it is your responsibility to wear a hernia belt to prevent a hernia and added insurance expense a!ong with the emotional toll out on loved ones.  People walked out. I stayed thinking he is going to try and debate both sides or there must be a punchline.  Not so.  It did get me to thinking though.  Is a hernia...

Does anyone know of something that actually works for swimming? When I bath or swim my skin barrier loosens. Does anyone know of a way to keep it dry during wet activities?

For those with a colostomy but no hernia, do you wear (a) support belt or wrap (b) support underwear (c) ostomy underwear with no support (d) regular underwear? If you wear support underwear, where do you get them? If you wear ostomy underwear, where do you get them? I live in Canada.

Does anyone know where I can buy men's underwear with a pouch for my stoma pouch.  I live in Canada and would like to order the underwear in Canada.   Thank you Phil

Hello I not hady ileostomy long. I'm just wondering can I go swimming ? Or do I need wear certain things ?

I really need to get back to exercsing, but the best one for me is swimming due to joints.  Has anyone worn a stealth belt?

I had an ostomy eight months ago and I'm ready to get back in the pool. Any suggestions from swimmers about how to keep the appliance water proof? I am wondering if I will need to change it more often because of being in chlorinated water. Thanks in advance for the advice!  

Hi my fellow ostomates! I hope I find you all well! Does anyone of you used any of the belts like an ostomybagholder or stealthbelt?  Consider buying one of these belts to cover better my bag and for more security from leakages but I can't choose which of this belts will really do the best job. So if someone uses one of this belts please let me give a helping.

news flash... this just in....... tick tick tick tick......  apparently  a company has joined up with makers of the sleathbelt and now have devloped a "slip-on" type of belt with  accessible drainage zipper. it looks alot more sleek than the velcro type but  i just visited the web site... and they are still only showing that stupid  velcro type belt.. i sent them email about  where the slip on vid is and i wanna see  it before i look further into ordering one..   ($103.00 a pop! US). I doubt any...

Hi ALL: I recently signed up for this site and have had an Ileostomy since December 2010. I have read so many postings about others asking questions on how others keep their appliances on while bathing, swimming and showering.  I hope the info below can be of help. I've had a huge issue with my wafers not holding due to my body chemistry that causes sweating which in turn causes the wafers to lift.  Not to mention, I live in the South where humidity is high during the summer months which didn't help with the sweating...

Holidays Hi all i will be going on holiday in a few weeks and need to get some swimwear (shorts)that will cover my stoma anyone any ideas where i can order them from? Only had my operation 2 months ago so none of last years will do i  need some with i high waist.

hi everyone....thanks so much for answering my questions. Bear with me as this is new to me......what is the best way to secure my bag so I can get in the pool?  

I am wearing a hernia belt 24/7 for a peristomal hernia.  The skin underneath is severely irritated. red and itchy.  Driving me crazy.  Want to rip the thing off.  Any suggestions?

Hi Guys,   I think we covered this awhile back, but can't find the post.  For those of you who wear a long shirt to cover your bag (because you can't tuck it into your pants without problems) I'd like to know what you wear.  Myself I wear Dickies XL work T-shirts with the pocket and short sleeves.  They are extra long and fully cover my bag all the time without being down to my knees in length.  They also come in a Tall size if you're really tall (I'm 6'2" and they're a little long for me in Tall). They'...

Hi, my stoma is quite high (above belly button) & I was wondering what the men on here wear when swimming. It is not really practical to wear high waistband swimmers (would look REALLY stupid) Thanks

Any competitive swimmers out there? I just started a swim class to build endurance and ability to compete in Triantalons. I have had my osteomyelitis for 28 years and just got back in pool in 2016. Big step for me. Any advice?  My biggest scare is changing in. A locker room . Not quit ready to bear it all. I do trail races (2 marathons) with no issues but the swimming scares me.

Please share your experience if you've used the stealth belt.  My ileostomy is on the left side.  Can't figure out how to empty if the appliance is horizontal and end of appliance is facing away from the body?

I haven't attempted swimming with my ostomy yet.  I've seen special bathing suits and various kinds of equipment such as belts, etc.  Can anyone give me tips/suggestions on what to get?  I want to start swimming for exerise and I also love to travel so I'm thinking about swimming and sunbathing for leisure as well.

I have been in the pool a lot this summer and it seems like everytime I change my appiance, I have a rash on my skin. Not sure if it's caused by the swimming and chemicals in the pool or maybe just because it's wet for a while. I do my best to dry the wafer off after getting out of the pool, but it's impossible to get it totally dry. I can't change the applicance every time I swim because I go in the pool about 4x a week. That would probably irritate my skin too! (plus I'd never have enough supplies.) Any ideas?

For those that can not wear a belt or dont want the pressure around the belly stoma area here is what i have been wearing for a few years now.You can find these suspenders with triggers in different styles. I like the triggers because the ones with clamps always come loose.Of course i usually wear Levis and surprisingly they do not rip the belt loop like i thought they would. The best pair i have i altered myself because i wanted a thin leather one so i bought a set and went to the local hardwear store and bought the triggers and put them ...

anyone help me out, what are the best for securing the stoma 

I have a VERY large hernia necessitating my wearing a wide support belt. I use a one piece Hollister pouch for my urostomy, but find that the adhesive constantly oozes and sticks to the belt, so that on removing the belt either the adhesive pulls pieces of fabric off the belt and/or the belt tries to pull the pouch off. Does anyone else have this problem and is there a solution (pardon the pun) to prevent the excess adhesive oozing and sticking to the belt? Thanks in advance.

Has anyone tried the stealth belts? How do they work? The ostomy bag has to be horizontal - is that a problem? I had never thought to put it anywaqy but vertical. The web site states how one can do water sports and all kinds of things with this stealth belt.

When I first got my bag of tricks there was no one I could find that knew a thing ... no ostomy nurse ... nothing.  My first belt was the elastic part of a back brace ... cut it off and threw away the rest of the new brace.  It was only 3" wide so it didn't cover the whole bag and was a little to heavy.   Then I tried a cumberbun from a formal mens wear store ... that was something trying to explain why I didn't care about color or style. I looked and worked better but was a bit expensive i thought. ...

Is it possible that tight clothing (stretch jeans) would be harmful for an iliostomy?

Hey guys!  I had a few questions about Ostomy accesories such as belts, protectors, etc..   I first wanted to ask, if you are using a belt or stoma guard, why? I ask because I know a lot of people don't use these, so I'm curious to why some people do. I know Stealth Belts are very popular, I was thinking of getting one, though the whole seemed a bit weird to me. Maybe I'm just misunderstanding it. I understand you put your bag into the belt, but that means your bag would need to be horizontal, correct? If that's right, do peo...

Hi all, So I'm a youngish female, and I wanted to figure out a way to wear a two-piece bathing outfit to the beach and the pool and whatnot, but I wasn't super impressed by tankini options because they tended to show a strip of stomach in exactly the wrong place as well as not come far enough down my leg.  I just wanted to share what I eventually hit on doing, because it's worked really well for me and it might not have occurred to everyone.  (Or maybe it has.  I'm a little out of the ostomy loop since I've been fully ...