This topic is about a helpful method for managing stoma output, particularly when it's watery, during appliance changes. The idea is to use porridge, or oatmeal, to thicken the output, making the process smoother and more manageable. Here are some tips and insights shared by people who have tried this method:

1. Eat a full bowl of porridge, whether it's regular or quick-cook microwave oatmeal, about an hour before you plan to change your appliance. This should help reduce the output and make it thicker, so any output that does occur is less likely to be watery.

2. You can add milk, sugar, or other flavorings to your oatmeal if you like. It's considered a healthier and more reliable option than the marshmallow trick.

3. If you prefer using marshmallows, eat about 4 to 6 pieces roughly 20 minutes before changing your appliance.

4. Many people have found that porridge or oatmeal can effectively slow down or even stop output for 2 to 3 hours in the morning.

5. Other alternatives to slow or thicken output include:
- Eating 4 to 6 marshmallows 15 to 20 minutes before changing.
- Consuming one banana daily, which might almost eliminate liquid output, though it could lead to pancaking.
- Eating BRAT foods (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) individually can halt output for a couple of hours.
- Farina, or Cream of Wheat, has been suggested as a possible substitute, with no negative feedback reported.

6. A good timing strategy is to change appliances first thing in the morning when the intestine is usually empty.

7. For a faster and cleaner change, prepare by laying out a disposal bag, warm soapy and plain wet paper towels, a razor, and a hair-dryer. Pre-warm your skin and the new flange with the hair-dryer for better adhesion.

8. If using an Eakin seal, some find it quicker and more secure to place the seal on the wafer rather than directly around the stoma, especially if you have a round stoma.

9. A moldable convex flange, which doesn't require cutting and can be shaped by fingers, combined with an Eakin ring and warming, can improve wear time to 4 to 5 days.

These tips and insights are shared by people who have found success with these methods, making appliance changes a bit easier and more comfortable.