If you're preparing for an ileostomy and have a smaller waist size, finding the right ostomy underwear or support bands can be a bit challenging. Here are some helpful tips and suggestions to consider:

1. Look into pediatric products. Your stoma nurse might be able to recommend children's-size stoma bags, as many companies offer them.

2. Regular, non-ostomy underwear might work for you. Some people find success by tucking the pouch into high-waisted briefs. You can find very small sizes on Amazon, such as the FINETOO high-waisted underwear, which goes down to a 23-inch waist.

3. Explore ostomy-specific brands. You've already checked Ostomysecrets, but you might also want to look into Hollister, which used to offer a "mini pouch." Vanilla Blush in the UK offers women's and older children's ostomy underwear in metric sizing. You can contact them through their website for help with sizing.

4. Consider waiting to buy most items until after your surgery. The final position of your stoma can change during the procedure, and buying too many garments now might lead to wasted money if the waistbands end up sitting directly on the stoma. It's best to try on garments once you know the stoma height, appliance size, and your comfort needs.

5. Pay attention to fit and comfort. A waistband that rubs across the stoma can be uncomfortable, so styles that sit clearly above or below the stoma are usually better. Different cuts like high-leg, bikini, hipster, mini, and g-string interact differently with pouch placement, so it's a good idea to test them first. Returning to "normal" underwear can boost confidence, and many people with small waists find success with standard lingerie rather than ostomy-branded wear.

6. Consider alterations. A skilled seamstress or alterationist can resize existing underwear, pants, shorts, capris, or hipster styles, which can help you avoid replacing your entire wardrobe.