This topic is about someone experiencing discomfort after wearing a preventive hernia belt following a proctectomy and emergency hernia surgery. The person is dealing with lower-back and stomach pain when the belt is on and is seeking advice on whether this is normal and what can be done to alleviate the discomfort.

Here are some helpful insights and advice:

1. Consider not wearing the belt all the time unless it's absolutely necessary. Some people only wear it during activities like lifting or exercising.

2. The pain might indicate that something is wrong. The belt could be too tight, too wide, or not positioned correctly. It's a good idea to consult with a stoma nurse to see if a refitting or a different model might help.

3. The width of the belt is important. Very wide belts can be uncomfortable, especially when bending. Some people find comfort by using belts of different widths, such as 2-inch, 3-inch, and 4-inch, and rotating them as needed.

4. The material of the belt can make a big difference. Softer and thinner belts are generally more comfortable than those that are stiff or have a plastic-like feel.

5. To reduce discomfort, try cutting the wafer hole slightly larger and adding a moldable barrier ring around the stoma. This can cushion the pressure from the belt and make it more comfortable to wear.

These suggestions might help in managing the discomfort and finding a more comfortable way to wear the belt.