This topic is about the changes in abdominal muscle tone that some people notice after having ileostomy surgery. One person described their mid-section as feeling softer and "foldy," similar to a stuffed toy that's lost some of its filling. They were curious if others had experienced a similar sensation after having their colon removed. A light-hearted comment from their husband, saying "I love mashed potatoes," helped them maintain a positive outlook.

Here are some helpful insights and advice for those experiencing similar changes:

- Healing is a gradual process and can continue for many months. It might take around 18 to 24 months after surgery for some people to regain enough core strength to comfortably perform exercises like sit-ups, crunches, and yoga poses that were previously painful.

- Slowly reintroducing low-impact fitness activities can be beneficial. Activities such as yoga and dance-based workouts like Zumba, which is said to burn about 500 calories per hour, can help rebuild core strength and improve overall fitness when your body feels ready.