This topic is about finding ways to exercise and manage skin sensitivity after colostomy surgery. The person is two months post-surgery and wants to start exercising to lose weight, but is facing discomfort from twisting movements and skin soreness due to the adhesive used for the pouch. Here are some helpful tips and advice:

1. Exercises & Activity
- Walking is a great starting point. You can add variety by including hills, stairs, or setting destinations to build endurance.
- Take breaks during long walks by using benches or a folding chair. Gradually increase your walking distance by no more than 20% each week and track your progress with a device like a Fitbit.
- Gentle stretching, such as shoulder rolls and arm circles, might be okay soon after surgery, but always check with your surgeon before starting any new activities, including yoga or light weight-lifting.
- Once approved by your surgeon, consider low-impact machines like a cross-trainer or elliptical, which are gentle on the joints and work multiple muscle groups.
- Some people find free exercise routines at stomaatje.com helpful for post-surgery conditioning.
- Wearing a support or hernia belt around the stoma area during workouts can help prevent herniation.

2. Skin Care & Leakage Control
- Establish a consistent routine: cleanse the area, dry it (many use a hair-dryer on cool), sprinkle ostomy powder on irritated spots, and seal with a skin-prep wipe before applying the wafer.
- If you have tape reactions, try switching to ultra-sensitive paper tape or experiment with different brands until you find one that doesn't irritate your skin.
- Use adhesive-remover wipes to make pouch changes easier and reduce skin trauma.
- Applying a thin layer of pure organic aloe vera gel, then drying it with a hair-dryer before using a barrier spray, can soothe and protect the skin around the stoma.
- Allow your skin to "air out" for 5 to 30 minutes during changes when the stoma is quiet.
- In summer, heat can worsen irritation, so use extra powder/skin-prep and change more frequently.
- Many manufacturers offer free samples, so try different wafer materials to find one that suits your skin.

3. Products, Techniques & Manufacturers
- A deep-convexity appliance from Marlen is expected to be available in Canada soon.
- Some people have found success in stopping leaks by using a convex flange with ostomy paste "caulk" rings, which can make the flange last 3-4 days and the pouch 2 days.
- Ultra-sensitive paper tape, adhesive-remover wipes, ostomy powder, and barrier wipes/sprays are often credited for fast healing.
- Support belts designed specifically for stomas are useful during gym sessions.

4. Diet & Weight Control
- Weight loss is mainly influenced by diet. Focus on lean protein, vegetables, and healthy fats, while avoiding processed foods and soft drinks, even diet versions.
- Eating several small meals throughout the day can be beneficial, and some people avoid fruit sugars later in the day.
- Pairing exercise with balanced meals can help with weight loss. One person mentioned losing 25 pounds unintentionally due to healing and healthier eating.

5. General Encouragement
- Feeling fatigued is normal at two months post-surgery, but stamina will gradually return. Plan naps as needed.
- Skin issues often improve over time as your body adapts, so patience and experimentation are important.
- The early post-op period can be challenging, but it does get easier, and support is always available.