The topic is about scuba diving with a new colostomy and how to manage the ostomy appliance underwater. If you're eager to get back into the water after your surgery, here are some helpful tips and insights from experienced divers who have been in your flippers:

1. Colostomy Irrigation Option
- Consider learning colostomy irrigation. If it works for you, it allows you to dive without a pouch or with just a small stoma plug, which can make managing your appliance much easier.

2. Choosing the Right System
- Look for a rugged, low-profile, or waterproof appliance that feels secure under your diving gear.
- The Cymed Microskin system is recommended for its thin, flexible, and waterproof qualities, making it ideal for active users.
- A Stomaguard, a hard plastic stoma protector, can be worn under a wetsuit to prevent issues like pancaking and protect the pouch from friction with equipment.

3. Pre-Dive Routine
- Empty your pouch right before you gear up. Many divers find that the pouch stays flat or even shrinks due to the water pressure during the dive.
- Try to avoid diving during a high-output period.

4. Venting and Equalizing Pressure
- Use modern pouches with integrated charcoal filters to manage gas buildup.
- Some divers used to pierce the pouch with a needle to vent gas but now prefer using filtered bags.

5. Eating and Hydration
- Eat lightly before diving to minimize output, just enough to keep your energy up, and make sure to hydrate after the dive.

6. Backup Supplies
- Always carry a spare pouch and wafer to change into after your dive if necessary.

7. Dealing with Gear Snagging
- Most divers keep their pouch on under wetsuits without any issues. However, once you're fully healed and comfortable, you might choose to dive without a pouch if it's allowed by your fellow divers and local regulations.

8. General Encouragement
- Many long-term ostomates have enjoyed decades of scuba diving without incidents. With the right preparation, there's no reason to give up the sport you love.