This topic is about someone who recently had a colectomy and is having trouble getting a secure fit with their Hollister ostomy appliance. The skin, fat, and muscle around their new stoma are making it difficult to keep the wafer in place, leading to leaks and using a lot of products. Since their wound-care nurse isn't available for a few days, they are looking for immediate advice to help improve the fit and feel more confident.

Here are some helpful tips and insights:

- Use a moldable barrier ring, like the Coloplast Brava, directly around the stoma to create a smooth surface and seal before applying the Hollister wafer. Some people find adding a second ring on top of the wafer helps create a "double seal."

- Make sure the hole in the wafer is cut or molded to fit snugly around the stoma. A gap that's too large can lead to leaks.

- Consider using flange extenders or "C-strip" extenders, or even a belt, to add pressure around the edges and help the wafer stay flat. Applying the wafer while lying down can also help minimize abdominal contours.

- Follow a thorough skin-prep routine:
1. Change the appliance when the stoma is quiet.
2. Clean the area with a wet wipe.
3. Use an adhesive-remover wipe.
4. Swab with an alcohol prep pad to remove oil and residue.
5. Dry the area thoroughly with a hair-dryer on warm.
6. Apply a skin-barrier product like 3M Cavilon spray or wipe, and briefly warm the skin again with the dryer before positioning the ring and wafer.
7. Stay standing or upright for about an hour to let the adhesive set.

- Request and try free samples from different manufacturers to find the wafer, bag, and ring combination that best fits your body shape. You can call each company directly for samples.

- Check out educational and support resources like the UOAA (United Ostomy Association of America) website and local support groups, as well as Ostomy101.com for information on diet, skin care, travel, clothing, and product tutorials.

- Some people have mentioned a $100 aftermarket plastic "washer" that fits between the bag and flange to press the system tighter. However, many feel that standard flange belts and extenders already serve this purpose and have concerns about the product's bulk and visibility.

- Remember, it's normal to feel frustrated at first. Leaks usually decrease as swelling goes down and your technique improves over the first few months.