Topic Explanation:

The forum discussion is centered around the experiences of individuals flying with a colostomy. The original poster is inquiring whether air pressure during flights affects a colostomy and is seeking advice from others who have flown with a colostomy.

Advice and Insights:

1. General Experiences:
- Many individuals have flown with a colostomy without experiencing any issues related to air pressure or ballooning.
- Some have flown long distances, such as a 9.5-hour flight, without problems.

2. Pre-Flight Preparation:
- Avoid eating a large meal the night before the flight.
- Consider sipping on a drink like Gatorade Fit in the morning before flying.
- Empty the colostomy bag before boarding the plane.

3. During the Flight:
- Use a drainable bag to avoid the need to carry waste in a container.
- If necessary, change the bag during the flight in the airplane restroom.
- Bring M9 drops to manage odor if needed.

4. Airport Security:
- Be prepared for the colostomy bag to show up on airport scanners. Security may perform a hand wipe test to confirm it is a medical device.

5. Hydration:
- Be aware of potential dehydration during flights and plan to rehydrate after landing.

6. Handling Output:
- If the output is thick, consider bringing a cup to help manage it during emptying.
- Practice emptying the bag at home to be comfortable doing so on a plane.

7. Additional Tips:
- Hope for minimal turbulence to make managing the colostomy easier during the flight.