Topic Explanation:
The forum topic is about finding suitable swimwear for women with an ostomy bag. The original poster, Hazel, is seeking advice on comfortable and non-bulky swimwear options that would allow her to swim without feeling self-conscious about her ostomy bag.
Advice and Insights:
- Some women wear their normal swimwear from before surgery, including one-piece and two-piece swimsuits, depending on the stoma placement.
- For those concerned about the ostomy bag outline showing, longer tops with distractions like ruffles or large patterns in the fabric can be helpful.
- High-waisted two-piece swimsuits, board shorts, and swimsuits with ruching, overlays, skirts, or patterned prints can camouflage the ostomy bag shape effectively.
- Regular one-piece swimsuits with busy floral patterns or patterned ones can make the ostomy less noticeable.
- Suits with "tummy control" features can hold everything in place and provide support.
- Tankinis can hold the pouch in place and cover lumps and bumps, providing comfort and confidence.
- Some women use a belt with a swimsuit for added security and smoothness.
- Swim wraps and wraps over the ostomy can blend with the swimsuit, making the ostomy less noticeable and providing comfort.
- It's important to experiment with different swimsuits to find what works and feels comfortable, and not to give up swimming because of the ostomy.
- Some women have successfully swum for years with an ostomy using regular swimsuits without any problems.
- Online resources like YouTube and ostomy product websites can provide additional information and solutions for swimming with an ostomy.
- Patterns and distractions like ruffles can help hide the outline of the pouch.
- Some women have found solutions in their existing wardrobe, such as using a swimsuit with folded stretchy material and a bold pattern.
Note: The advice and insights have been condensed and presented in bullet points for clarity and ease of understanding.
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