Swimming after an ileostomy can be a bit daunting, especially if you're just getting back into the water after surgery. If you're wondering about the best way to approach this, here are some friendly tips and advice to help you feel more comfortable and confident:

1. You don't need a special ostomy appliance for swimming. If your pouch and wafer are secure on land, they should be fine in the water too.

2. To keep water out of the pouch filter, you can place a piece of tape or use the manufacturer's sticker over the filter opening.

3. For added security around the wafer or flange, consider using waterproof adhesive strips or barrier strips before you swim.

4. When it comes to clothing, here are some options that might work well:
- Surfing rash-guard shirts are light, dry quickly, and offer discreet coverage.
- A binder or bandeau/tube top over the pouch can provide extra support.
- One-piece swimsuits can completely hide the pouch, while two-piece suits make it easier to empty the pouch during a long day at the beach.

5. Here are some practical routine suggestions:
- Empty your pouch right before you get into the pool. If you're only swimming for a short time, this might mean you won't need to empty it while you're still in your swimsuit.
- If you prefer, you can change to a dry pouch after swimming for added comfort.

6. Make sure all surgical sites are fully healed and that there are no open wounds before you go swimming.