This topic is about dealing with a common issue for ostomy bag users known as "pancaking." Pancaking happens when stool sticks around the stoma instead of dropping to the bottom of the pouch. The person experiencing this has tried using baby oil inside the appliance but still faces the problem. They are also curious if wearing a Bella Band, a stretchy band often used during pregnancy, might make pancaking worse.

Here are some helpful tips and insights:

1. Oils can help the output slide down more easily, but they might not completely stop pancaking. You might still need to gently manipulate the pouch from the outside.

2. Tight clothing can trigger pancaking. Consider replacing tight waistbands with looser clothing or suspenders. Some people have even switched to full-length workman’s overalls to relieve pressure on the stoma.

3. If suitable for you, colostomy irrigation might be an option to eliminate regular output between sessions. It's best to discuss this with your stoma or ostomy nurse.

4. Medications like Imodium (Loperamide) can help by slowing or firming the output, making it less likely to stick.

5. Keeping some air inside the pouch can prevent it from "vacuum sealing" against the stoma. Leaving the bag slightly inflated, especially during high-output times, can help, though it might look a bit bulky under clothes.

6. Position the pouch outside your underwear when you expect output, then tuck it back in later to avoid compression.

7. Specialized support underwear, like "Comfiz" high-waist ostomy support underwear, can distribute pressure evenly around the abdomen, making it easier to slide stool downward manually and offering mild hernia support.

8. To clear early pancake build-up, place the flat of your hand on the pouch bottom to create an air bubble at the top, then slide two fingers downward over the flange to guide the stool to the bottom. Gravity will help from there.

There was no feedback provided on the use of the Bella Band, so its effect on pancaking remains unclear in this discussion.