This topic is all about sharing practical advice for those who are new to living with a stoma. A person who is three months post-operation has shared their personal top ten tips to help others navigate this new experience. Here’s a friendly rundown of their advice:

1. Change your pouch in the tub or shower to make clean-up easier.
2. When removing the wafer or barrier, start peeling from the side opposite your belly button to avoid any tender incision areas.
3. Apply the new barrier while standing and arching your back to keep your abdomen as flat as possible.
4. Shave any hair under the wafer area for better adhesion.
5. Ensure your skin is completely dry before attaching the barrier.
6. For cut-to-fit wafers, cutting them slightly tight (but not too tight) seems to work better than cutting them loose. The poster is curious about professional opinions on this.
7. To keep the pouch discreet under clothing, snug tank tops or muscle shirts work well for both men and women.
8. You can make your own pouch deodorizer/lubricant by mixing one part water-based lubricant, one part mouthwash, and four parts water in a squeeze bottle. Add a few squirts each time you empty the pouch.
9. Wearing an ostomy belt snugly can be helpful, but be cautious and evaluate other accessories carefully.
10. If a seatbelt presses on your pouch, you can slide a plastic card into the buckle to loosen the lap belt. The card will release under crash forces.

The poster also has a few additional questions and insights:

- They are seeking professional feedback on whether cutting wafers slightly tight is acceptable.
- They wonder if ordinary cornstarch could be used instead of commercial thickening powders for watery output.
- For a bit of humor, they suggest sticking googly eyes on the pouch.

Here are some additional pieces of advice and insights from others:

- For clothing and concealment, both men and women find that tight tank-style undershirts or a spouse’s elastic half-slip help keep the pouch flat and allow for close-fitting outer tops.
- When it comes to emptying the pouch, it’s better to do it sooner rather than later, especially before bed, car rides, or if output appears after getting into bed.
- To thicken output, some use "Ileo Gel" by B. Braun, which comes in pre-measured packets of absorbent powder. Many keep a few packets with them at all times.
- Before applying a new one-piece pouch or wafer, warm it under your armpit. The warmed adhesive becomes stickier and more pliable.
- Long-term ostomates, ranging from 4 weeks to 32 years post-op, affirm these tips, share that they are still learning, and encourage newcomers to share their evolving tips.