Topic Explanation:
The forum topic is about the disappointment with the new formula of Hollister 7917 protective gel wipes. The original poster expresses frustration with the changes in the product, stating that the older wipes dried fast and were effective in combination with ostomy powder to heal wounds, while the new formula does not dry fast and is ineffective for the same purpose.

Advice and Insights:
- Many users agree that the new formula of the Hollister 7917 protective gel wipes is disappointing and does not seem to do the job.
- Some users express the idea that companies should consult their users before making arbitrary changes to products.
- The purpose of the gel wipes is to put a coating beneath the wafer to make it easier to remove when changing the wafer, and the older version also worked well with stoma powder to coat and cake over wounded areas of the skin.
- One user suggests buying the older version on eBay as a temporary solution, while another user recommends trying ReliaMed protective barrier wipes as an alternative.

Helpful Insights:
- The original poster shares a link to the old version of the wipes available on eBay for those interested in purchasing them.
- A user provides information about the purpose of the gel wipes and how they are used in the context of ostomy care.
- Another user suggests an alternative product, the ReliaMed protective barrier wipes, as a potential replacement for the disappointing Hollister 7917 gel wipes.