The topic is about feeling confident in swimwear when you have an ostomy. It explores how people with ostomies can embrace swimsuit season without feeling self-conscious. Here are some helpful insights and advice shared by the community:

1. Confidence & Body Image
- Many people wear bikinis, tankinis, high-waisted two-pieces, or standard men’s trunks without any issues. They focus on fitness, maintaining a positive attitude, and feeling grateful for life, which helps them worry less about appearance.
- Looking at photos of other confident ostomates can help normalize the appearance of an ostomy. Some people choose to cover their pouch for the comfort of others, using swim shirts or wraps, while others proudly show it, often receiving admiration rather than negative reactions.

2. Swimwear Styles & Sources
- For women, options include high-waisted bikini bottoms, skirted tankinis, two-piece suits with inner pockets, or full one-pieces. Some recommended vendors are:
- Ostomysecrets.com for high-waisted bikini bottoms with internal pouch pockets.
- Awestomy.com for thicker wraps with inner pockets and varied prints.
- Land’s End for a broad range of women’s suits.
- For men, boxer-style trunks worn higher on the waist are popular, though there can be challenges if the stoma is near the navel.
- Unisex options include Stealth Belt’s swim belt with a zippered pouch and triathlon “swim skin” suits for a tight, supportive layer.

3. Securing the Appliance in Water
- To swim safely, apply the pouch 1–2 hours before swimming to ensure the adhesive bonds well.
- Empty the bag first to reduce weight and pressure on the wafer.
- Use a leak-barrier or waterproof tape for extra security.
- Avoid excess powder or skin prep that can weaken adhesion, and consult a stoma nurse if leaks persist.
- Some people switch to a smaller pouch or an “ostomy cap” for short-term activities like swimming.

4. Real-World Experiences
- Many users swim regularly in pools, lakes, and even heavily chlorinated water without leaks.
- One person plans to visit a clothing-optional campground to test their comfort level before revealing their ostomy to family.
- Long-term ostomates often joke about their appliance, wear it high under shorts, and swim or shower without additional cover.

5. Emotional Support & Motivation
- Reading success stories, sharing photos, and receiving compliments from peers can help new ostomates gain confidence.
- Many find that having an ostomy motivates them to get fitter, which enhances their overall confidence in swimwear.