This topic is about finding safe and effective ways to lose weight after having an ileostomy due to rectal cancer treatment. The person is looking for advice on exercises that are safe to do, how to manage weight loss, and how to find a comfortable ostomy appliance. Here are some helpful suggestions:

- Weight-loss approach:
1. Make sure not to skip meals and maintain a well-balanced diet that meets your post-cancer nutritional needs.
2. Before starting any diet or exercise plan, consult with your surgeon, general practitioner, or a registered dietitian/nutritionist.
3. Aim for a gradual weight loss of about 1 to 2 pounds per week, as this is more sustainable.

- Exercise ideas and precautions:
1. Get medical clearance before starting any exercise routine. Once cleared, consider:
- Walking for 30 minutes, five days a week, and use apps like Runkeeper to track your distance.
- Participating in low-impact gym classes, using resistance machines, or working with a certified trainer at a wellness center to build core strength and balance. This is important because abdominal muscles can be weak after surgery.
2. Remember to empty your pouch frequently during activities to minimize movement under the wafer.

- Food and activity tracking tools:
1. Use MyFitnessPal for calorie logging, which can sync with Runkeeper to automatically adjust your daily calorie targets based on the exercise you do.

- Pouching system and skin care:
1. Consult an enterostomal (ET) or stoma nurse to ensure proper wafer sizing and product selection.
2. Consider using a one-piece Convatec system with paste. A 10-inch pouch might be more suitable for shorter individuals and is less noticeable.
3. If you experience persistent itching, it might be a fungal rash. Treat the affected area under the wafer with an over-the-counter athlete's foot powder, applying it sparingly with a cotton swab. This may temporarily reduce wafer adhesion, but it's important to clear the fungus.
4. Check out online forums for additional tips on managing fungal issues.

- Motivation and reassurance:
1. Many people with an ileostomy have successfully lost 40 to 50 pounds through consistent exercise and mindful eating, showing that reaching fitness goals is possible.
2. Share your progress on forums to receive support and maintain accountability.