This topic is about whether wearing an ostomy belt is truly beneficial or necessary for those who have undergone ostomy surgery. The person who started the discussion has been wearing an ostomy belt almost all the time since their surgery in October 2012 and is curious about the experiences and opinions of others in the community regarding the value of wearing an ostomy belt.

Here are some insights and advice shared by others:

1. Peace of mind and adhesion security: Many people wear a belt, at least for the first hour after applying a new pouch, to ensure the wafer sticks well. After that, they might take it off if they feel confident in the seal.

2. Hernia support and prevention:
- Those with a parastomal hernia find that the belt helps reposition the pouch and adds comfort.
- Others use belts proactively, especially the wider 4-inch or 6-inch models, during the day or when doing heavy lifting to reduce the risk of hernias.

3. Size and width choices, and routines:
- A 1-inch belt is comfortable for sleeping.
- A 4-inch belt is suitable for everyday wear for general support.
- A 6-inch belt provides extra support for strenuous activities or lifting.

4. Leakage reduction: One person found that wearing the belt consistently, both day and night, helped eliminate frequent leaks around the skin barrier.

5. Optional if adhesion is solid: If your wafer sticks well and you feel secure, you might not need to wear a belt all the time. It often comes down to personal comfort and confidence.