This topic is about preparing for a backpacking adventure with a urostomy, especially focusing on how to ensure a comfortable fit for a backpack's hip belt after undergoing bladder and prostate removal. Here are some helpful tips and insights shared by others who have experience with this:

1. Consider using a stoma guard to protect your stoma from pressure when wearing a hip belt or other gear. Many people recommend the StomaGear guard, but there are other brands available too.

2. Pre-operative stoma siting is very important:
- Make sure to have a detailed discussion with your surgeon and stoma nurse before the surgery.
- Have the nurse mark potential stoma sites while you are sitting, standing, bending, and wearing typical waistbands or backpack belts.
- Try to have the stoma placed a couple of inches below the navel on either side to avoid interference with natural belt lines and backpack hip belts.
- If there are multiple possible sites, ask your surgical team to plan for several backup locations in case of any issues during surgery.

3. If your stoma ends up near the belt line:
- A convex barrier can help prevent a flush or "innie" stoma from being rubbed by the belt and can help maintain the seal.
- Loosen the hip (tummy) strap slightly and wear a soft T-shirt underneath to prevent clothing from tugging on the pouch or wafer.

4. Even if the stoma is close to the belt line, many people have successfully hiked long distances, like the Appalachian Trail, without stoma-related problems by taking these precautions.

5. Stay encouraged and active. Many have continued to enjoy backpacking, hunting, and climbing after their ostomies with proper planning and adjustments.