This topic is about finding safe and effective ways to lose weight, particularly around the midsection, for someone who has an ileostomy. The person is looking to shed 15-20 pounds without risking a hernia or other health issues. They have shared their current eating habits and physical activity challenges, such as not having access to a gym, wanting to swim, and dealing with balance issues due to a past head injury. Here are some helpful tips and advice:

1. Consider consulting a registered dietician or nutritionist. They can help create a personalized eating plan that takes into account your ileostomy, food tolerances, calorie needs, and the right balance of nutrients.

2. General dietary strategies:
- Try reducing or cutting out refined carbs and added sugars. Many people have found success with low-carb and low-sugar diets.
- Be mindful of pasta toppings, as sauces and cheese can add extra calories.
- Eating 5-6 small meals a day might work well, but try to stop eating by early evening to help reduce overall intake.
- An example meal plan from someone else includes: half a banana in the morning, a mid-afternoon lettuce bowl with protein and a few crackers, and dinner with chicken, beef, or fish, soft-cooked vegetables, and a plain potato or more crackers.
- Stay hydrated throughout the day, and consider drinks with added electrolytes to replace what you might lose with an ileostomy.

3. Exercise ideas that are gentle on the stoma and consider balance issues:
- Start with walking and gradually increase the distance.
- Try gentle leg-lifts and other low-impact core exercises. You can find "ostomy-safe core exercises" online or ask a physical therapist for guidance.
- Cycling, whether on a regular or recumbent bike, can provide a good cardio workout while keeping you stable.
- Swimming is excellent for building core strength and is easy on the joints.

4. Tips for preventing hernias and staying safe:
- Avoid heavy lifting, as it can contribute to hernias.
- Gradually strengthen your core with professional guidance, and consider using an abdominal support belt if recommended.

5. Keep in mind the bigger picture: aim to create a calorie deficit by eating a bit less and moving a bit more, but make sure both your diet and exercise are tailored to your specific medical needs. It's important to have realistic body-image goals and to appreciate the health improvements you've made since surgery.

6. Some products that might be helpful include Nabisco Ritz Crackers for a portion-controlled carb option and electrolyte-enhanced fluids to stay hydrated.