This topic is about a new female ostomate who is adjusting to life with a stoma bag. She is two weeks post-surgery and is experiencing some challenges with the placement of her pouch, which creates a visible bulge in her clothing. She is seeking advice on how to change the bag’s angle, reduce the bulge, and keep it hidden while wearing fitted clothes. Additionally, she is curious about whether it is normal for the pouch to fill with gas overnight.

Here are some helpful tips and insights:

1. Clothing choices and styling:
- In the early weeks after surgery, opt for loose tracksuit bottoms and T-shirts to allow the wound to heal. After about six weeks, many people find they can return to wearing jeans and more fitted clothing.
- Consider wearing babydoll tops, gathered "scrunchy" T-shirts, puff-ball dresses or skirts, and other loose-fit fashion styles to effectively hide the pouch.
- Hip-hugging jeans can be useful as they allow the pouch to be folded upward and secured with tape, making it sit higher and flatter.
- If the pouch starts to bulge while you're out, tying a jacket or cardigan around your waist can provide instant camouflage.
- A large shoulder or cross-body handbag positioned at hip level can help mask any protrusion and also carry spare supplies. A pencil case can keep those items discreet.

2. Managing pouch position:
- Some people wear the appliance horizontally, using an elastic ostomy belt to hold the flange. The pouch lies across the abdomen, with its tail tucked under the belt, so nothing hangs below the waistline.
- Before putting on tight clothes, wait 10–20 minutes after eating, then empty the pouch to ensure it sits flat.

3. Caution with tight garments:
- Very snug clothing can limit the pouch's expansion. If the bag fills rapidly with gas or output, it may detach suddenly. Consider looser fits or plan more frequent emptying when wearing tight outfits.

4. Night-time and morning gas:
- Waking up with a gas-filled pouch is common. Some people need to "burp" or empty the pouch every 20–30 minutes, especially when certain foods or antibiotics increase gas production.
- Drinking through straws and snoring can introduce extra air, leading to overnight inflation.
- Avoid releasing air while lying flat, as leaks are more likely. Sit or stand first.

5. General tips:
- Keep emergency supplies with you for quick changes.
- Remember, people rarely notice the pouch as much as you do. Confidence and planning can go a long way toward disguising it.