This topic is about finding the best hernia support belts for someone living with an ileostomy. After several abdominal surgeries, they are dealing with adhesions that narrow the remaining intestine and a painful hernia or abdominal wall weakness. They are looking for a support belt that meets the following needs:

- Leaves the stoma and pouch unobstructed
- Provides firm abdominal and hernia support
- Avoids hard panels or pressure over a spine already weakened by collapsed vertebrae, as a back-brace style belt could worsen spinal damage

Here are some helpful pieces of advice and insights:

1. Nu-Hope ostomy/hernia belts are highly recommended. It's a good idea to call Nu-Hope for personal sizing and product advice. They offer belts with custom-cut stoma openings and varying widths and strengths.

2. A general search tip is to Google "best hernia belts for ostomy" and check the Images tab to see the range of designs before purchasing. Wide belts usually provide the best hernia support but may cover some of the lower spine.

3. For a low-cost test option, consider trying inexpensive, flexible abdominal belts available on platforms like eBay. These can help you experiment with fit. However, be careful not to over-tighten and ensure the stoma is supported, as excessive pressure may lead to prolapse.

4. The Comfizz Level-3 Support Belt, which is 15 cm wide, is another option. It allows you to cut the aperture to match the opening exactly to your flange, providing solid hernia support while letting the stoma function freely. You can wear it all day for work or exercise and switch to a lighter Comfizz Level-2 support at home.

5. Be aware of common problems and fixes:
- Closed (no-hole) belts can crush the stoma and force output under the flange, causing leaks.
- Pre-cut open belts often have holes that are too large, allowing both the stoma and hernia to bulge. Belts with a cut-to-fit opening, like those from Comfizz or Nu-Hope, can solve this issue.
- Always balance the tightness: ensure there is enough compression for hernia control but not so much that it impairs stoma flow or strains the back.