After ileostomy surgery, a 34-year-old woman found that her stoma was placed lower than expected, causing her dress pants' waistband to sit uncomfortably over it. She sought advice on how others have managed similar clothing challenges. Here are some helpful tips and insights shared by others:

1. Waistband position and fit:
- Aim for waistbands that sit either fully below or fully above the stoma.
- If the waistband crosses the stoma, ensure it is loose or stretchable to avoid compressing the appliance.
- Be prepared to try on different styles post-surgery, as some pre-surgery clothes may no longer fit comfortably.

2. Higher-rise or stretch garments:
- High-waisted leggings can cover the pouch and keep it flat; pairing them with a dress or long tunic creates a neat look.
- Pregnancy jeans are useful as they have a denim section that stops under the stoma and a knit panel that rises over it, supporting the appliance.
- Pants with expandable or stretch waists, like those from Kohl's, offer comfort and accommodate the bag.
- For men, adjusting the waist of standard jeans like Levis to be looser can help, and stretch belts add flexibility.

3. Low-rise undergarments:
- Hipster-style underwear sits below the stoma, avoiding pressure on the wafer.

4. Concealment garments and specialty products:
- Seamless tube tops or bandeaus worn around the midsection can hide the pouch and control movement, boosting confidence during intimate moments.
- OstomySecrets Wraps have an inner pocket for the bag, smoothing its profile and reducing friction. Two wraps can last a week between washes if there are no leaks.

5. Style strategies:
- Dresses and loose skirts eliminate waistband issues entirely.
- Choose shirts with busy patterns or eye-catching designs to draw attention away from the pouch area.
- Dark-colored clothing can help mask any potential leaks or stains.

6. Activity reassurance:
- With the right pouching system and clothing adjustments, normal activities, including work and even SCUBA diving, are still possible. It just takes some time to adjust.