Choosing the best location for your stoma is an important decision, especially if you love wearing low-rise jeans. You might be wondering if you can have a say in where your stoma is placed or if it's entirely up to the surgeon. Here's some helpful advice and insights to guide you through this process:

- Schedule a pre-operative session with an ostomy or ET nurse. During this meeting, discuss your daily activities and where your pants usually sit. The nurse can help mark potential stoma sites while you try different positions like standing, sitting, bending, squatting, and lifting your leg.

- Use an indelible marker to place an "X" on the chosen spots so the surgeon knows exactly where to place the stoma. Some hospitals might mark 2 to 4 options to give the surgeon some flexibility.

- Bring an actual pouching system with you when marking the site. This ensures the wafer will lie on a smooth, crease-free area and won't interfere with your belt line.

- Focus on your abdominal contours when choosing the site. Look for a flat area without folds or mounds, as poor placement can lead to retraction, leaks, and frustration.

- Many people find success with the stoma at or slightly below navel height. Some examples include having the top of the stoma level with the bottom of the belly button, or placing it 2 inches left of the navel, or 1½ inches right and 1½ inches below the navel. A shorter pouch can help align the bottom of the appliance with a low belt.

- If the stoma is too low and directly under the belt, your pants might rub or restrict the pouch. Some people wish they had chosen a higher spot, so consider this when deciding.

- Request a stoma that protrudes at least 1 inch. This helps ensure that output flows cleanly into the pouch and doesn't irritate the skin. Flush stomas are more prone to leaks and skin irritation.

- In elective surgeries, you usually have a say in the placement. However, in emergency situations, the stoma might be placed wherever there's room, so planning ahead is beneficial.

- It's normal to feel anxious before scans after cancer surgery, but remember that successful outcomes are common, and you're not alone in this journey.