The topic at hand is about managing a colostomy bag to prevent one-sided build-up and leaks, which can sometimes lead to "explosions." The person sharing their experience is concerned about returning to work due to these issues. They have noticed that their daily smoothies with flaxseed and chia seeds make their output very watery. Here are some helpful tips and suggestions to address these concerns:

1. Empty the pouch more frequently, especially if the output is watery, to prevent it from rising too high.

2. After emptying the pouch, pour a little warm water into it and gently rinse instead of forcing the stool out.

3. Use a lubricating or deodorizing agent inside the pouch to help the output slide to the bottom. Some options include:
- Brava Lubricating Deodorant (Coloplast).
- Many ostomy suppliers offer free lubricant samples upon request.

4. Keep a pocket of air in the pouch to prevent the sides from sticking together, known as pancaking. If needed, "burp" the pouch by briefly un-snapping a 2-piece flange, letting air in, and then resealing it.

5. If gas is an issue, burp the pouch more often and try to limit foods that produce gas.

6. If the volume of stool is a concern, consider eating five to six smaller meals instead of a few large ones, and empty the pouch sooner.

7. Consider stoma irrigation, which can be practical for descending or sigmoid colostomies. Many users report having daytime freedom from output and, in some cases, not needing a pouch. There are numerous instructional videos available online.

8. Evaluate the pouching system:
- Hollister 2-piece systems are known for their durability. The bag can be easily "burped," and the wafer can stay on for a week while bags are changed 2–3 times weekly.
- A thin elastic Hollister bag-retention belt clipped to the flange can help support a heavy pouch and prevent stress on the flange.

9. Gently push or roll thick output around inside the pouch to redistribute it when it collects on one side.

10. Consider dietary changes: Flaxseed, chia, and some dairy products can act as laxatives and increase liquidity. Try reducing or eliminating them to see if the output thickens.

11. Maintain adequate overall fluid intake even while trying to thicken the stool.

12. If blow-outs continue, keep a record of how many bowel movements you have, what you eat, and which appliance you use. Share this information with an ostomy nurse or the product manufacturer’s helpline for targeted troubleshooting.