This topic is all about dealing with some common challenges that come with having a temporary colostomy, such as leaks, wafer sizing, waterproofing, and other related concerns. Here are some helpful insights and advice to consider:

1. **Understanding Leaks and Sizing**
- If you're experiencing leaks, it might be due to the size of the ring. The opening of the wafer should be the same size or slightly smaller than your stoma. A 2 mm gap is generally too large.
- The barrier ring should fit snugly around the stoma and be completely covered by the wafer for better durability.
- If leaks are happening on one side, try folding or overlapping the ring to make it thicker on that side, or cut the ring into a "ribbon" and wrap it around where the stoma meets the skin.
- Some people have found that using flat wafers with a thickened ring can help with leaks on the belly-button side.
- You can find printable cutting templates on Hollister’s website to help achieve a better fit.
- Warming the wafer, ring, and skin with a hair dryer before pressing them on for 1-5 minutes can help the adhesive stick better.

2. **Product Recommendations**
- Some users recommend SALTS “BE Confidence” drainable bags with Coloplast Brava XL tape extenders.
- Hollister 2-piece systems with a Coloplast Brava moldable ring are also popular.
- ConvaTec pouches are another option, and you can request free samples to find what works best for you.
- Additional products that might help include adhesive pads, Skin-Tac adhesive wipes, stoma paste, Cavalon barrier spray, and non-oil soaps like Dial or Ivory.

3. **Preventing Side-Specific Leaks**
- Sleeping on your side can cause the wafer to crease and leak. Using a body pillow can help relieve pressure on the pouch.
- Keeping a small cushion of air in the pouch by covering the filter vent with waterproof tape can prevent vacuum pressure that might cause leaks.

4. **Waterproofing and Showering**
- Modern pouches are fully waterproof and can handle showering and swimming.
- You can choose to leave the appliance on and dry it afterward or remove everything to avoid skin rash, depending on your preference.

5. **Weight and Body Changes**
- Weight gain can change the size of your stoma and the shape of your abdomen, which might affect how well the wafer fits. Flexible wafers might adapt better to these changes.

6. **Belts and Night-Time Wear**
- Some people wear a 1-inch manufacturer’s belt or a Nu-Hope hernia belt all the time, including at night, to stabilize the wafer and protect against hernias. Others prefer to wear belts only during the day or during strenuous activities, depending on comfort and hernia risk.

7. **General Routine Examples**
- A typical routine might include cleaning with Dial soap, rinsing, applying stoma powder, using Cavalon spray for crusting, applying Skin-Tac, using an adhesive pad, adding a molded barrier ring with extra thickness where needed, and then applying the wafer and pouch.
- After applying everything, use warm air to help secure the adhesion.

Finding the right combination of wafers, rings, and techniques is key, and many people find they can go 3-4 days between changes once they discover what works best for them.