This topic is about managing frequent leaks from an ileostomy, especially after experiencing a small weight gain. The person sharing their experience had been doing well with their ostomy care until they gained 5 pounds, which led to daily leaks. They had a high-volume, mostly liquid output, and their previous setup with a flat flange and collar no longer worked effectively.

Here are some helpful tips and insights shared:

1. After experiencing a bad leak day, the person switched to Coloplast products, which included:
- A cut-to-fit convex flange using the 2-piece Coloplast “click” system.
- A Coloplast drainable pouch for daytime and a Coloplast High-Output pouch for nighttime.
- A Coloplast barrier ring around the stoma.
- Coloplast extra-wide Elastic Barrier Strips for added security.
- This change improved the wear-time of the flange from 1 day to over 5 days, with no leaks for two weeks, although the pouch still needed changing almost daily.

2. Consider using an ostomy belt for support. Wearing a belt after each change and during daily activities can help keep the system securely in place. There are many options available from suppliers or online stores.

3. To thicken the output and reduce the risk of leaks, try taking 1 Imodium tablet in the morning or eating binding foods like half a banana.

4. Some people rinse and reuse the same pouch if leakage is only an issue when attaching a fresh one. This might be worth considering.

5. To diagnose leaks:
- Check if the seepage is coming from under the flange or from pinholes in the pouch.
- Inspect new baseplates for any sharp moulded edges that could puncture the bag, and smooth them with very fine sandpaper if needed.
- Keep fingernails well-manicured to avoid accidentally damaging the bag or stoma.

6. For more practical advice, explore the “Ostomy Tips” section under “Collections” on the forum.

7. Many people have found barrier rings to be a reliable solution for preventing leaks, describing them as a “saving grace.”