The topic is about getting back into scuba diving after having an ostomy. The person is eager to dive back into the ocean and is looking for advice and experiences from others who have done the same. Here are some helpful tips and insights shared by experienced divers with ostomies:

1. Many divers with ileostomies or urostomies have successfully snorkeled, completed recreational dives, earned advanced certifications, and even worked as instructors for over 25 years. The message is clear: an ostomy doesn't have to stop you from diving.

2. For your pouching system and supplies:
- Apply a fresh pouching system on the morning of your dive. Some divers change their barrier and bag nightly on live-aboard trips.
- Use a flange (barrier) ring seal for extra leak protection.
- Always carry several spare pouching systems in your dive bag.

3. Managing diet and output:
- Avoid large meals and gas-producing foods before diving. Eat light and allow 1–2 hours after eating.
- Stay well-hydrated and limit sugary drinks that can increase gas.
- Some ileostomates take Imodium before meals to slow output.
- Urostomates can open the pouch valve before diving to allow urine to vent continuously during ascent.

4. Wetsuit, equipment, and weighting considerations:
- A snug-fitting skin suit or wetsuit (3 mm or 5 mm) helps keep the appliance secure. Some divers also find success with just swim trunks.
- Be mindful of weight-belt placement to avoid pressing on the stoma.
- No significant buoyancy changes have been noticed from intestinal gas.

5. Dive planning and safety:
- Start with a shallow checkout dive without a wetsuit to build confidence.
- Inform divemasters or dive buddies about your ostomy in case you need assistance. Crews in the Caribbean and Cuba are noted to be familiar with ostomies.
- Maintain good overall fitness. If you've been out of the water for a while, consider refreshing your skills or recertifying and diving with a qualified divemaster.
- Decompression and normal ascent rates do not pose special issues beyond standard dive protocols.

6. Facilities and logistics:
- Boat toilets can be cramped, so plan accordingly for pouch emptying.
- Wet wetsuits can be cumbersome for bathroom breaks, a common issue for all divers.

7. Resources and reading:
- Ostomy Australia magazine offers a cover story on diving.
- UOAA’s "The Phoenix" magazine provides similar articles.
- PADI’s medical advisory team and a diver’s GP who dives can be valuable medical resources.