This topic is about someone who is preparing for surgery to repair both an incisional hernia and a parastomal hernia. They are worried about potential complications, such as the stoma retracting, which could make managing their ostomy more difficult and expensive. They are looking for positive experiences and advice from others who have undergone similar procedures.

Here are some helpful insights and advice shared by others:

1. Medical Necessity vs. Choice
- If there is a risk of strangulation, repair is often necessary. However, some surgeons suggest waiting for parastomal hernia repair due to the possibility of recurrence. The decision is ultimately yours and can be changed up until the surgery begins.

2. Surgeon Selection & Technique
- Choose a surgeon with experience in stoma and hernia repairs. Ask about their approach to stoma fashioning and how many similar surgeries they have performed. You might also consider asking for a small stoma revision or relocation to ensure it protrudes adequately.

3. Combining Procedures
- If your abdomen is already being opened for incisional hernia repair, it might be beneficial to address the parastomal hernia simultaneously to avoid another surgery later. Even if the parastomal hernia recurs, the incisional repair will still be completed.

4. Recovery Experiences
- Positive: Some have experienced initial stoma retraction that improved as swelling decreased, and they were satisfied with the results.
- Negative: Others have faced issues like a severely retracted stoma that leaks, causing skin damage and requiring additional management.

5. Post-Op & Long-Term Prevention
- Start core-strengthening exercises and maintain a healthy weight as soon as you are medically cleared. Excess weight and a weak core can contribute to hernia formation and stoma retraction.

6. Coping with Supply Costs
- Look for U.S. charities that assist with ostomy supplies if you find yourself needing more wafers than your insurance covers.

7. Mental Preparation
- Understand that no surgery is without risk. Focus on your recovery plans and set positive goals to help reduce anxiety before the operation.

8. Mesh & Products Mentioned
- Surgical mesh is often used in repairs, but no specific ostomy wafer brands were mentioned. The medication Zyprexa was referenced in relation to weight history.